Political heavyweights join fight against Nitirat | Bangkok Post: news

The 1958 Law alumni club of Thammasat University, which boasts many prominent political figures among its members, is the latest group to attack the Nitirat movement for its campaign to amend the lese majeste law.

ANTI-AMENDMENT: Deputy Democrat spokeswoman Chitpas Bhirombhakdi, right, leads a public campaign near the Royal Plaza against a movement by the Nitirat group to amend the lese majeste law. PHOTO: THITI WANNAMONTHA

"We want the lecturers who are members of Nitirat group to end their duty as professors immediately to prevent them having a bad influence on the students," said Suthep Nirundorn, president of the alumni club, whose members include former premier Chuan Leekpai and former house speaker Meechai Ruchupan.

"Disciplinary probes should be launched against the lecturers as they have shown they do not have faith in democracy with the King as head of state," he said.

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In an open letter publicised yesterday, the alumni club called for three actions against the Nitirat group.

First, it wanted university rector Somkit Lertpaithoon to prohibit the group from using the university's premises. Second, it called for Nitirat members to be suspended. Third, it asked for disciplinary probes against teachers who supported the move to amend the lese majeste law. Such action would be taken on the grounds that the movement disrespects the monarchy.

Democrat Party chief adviser Mr Chuan said the Nitirat group had every right to air its opinions but he personally believed any attempt to rewrite Section 8 of the constitution and Article 112 of the Criminal Code would not be successful.

The Democrats have a clear stance against any movement to amend Section 8 of the charter, which prohibits any individual from insulting the King, and Section 112 of the Criminal Code, better known as the lese majeste law, he said.

Democrat MP for Nakhon Si Thammarat Thepthai Senpong called on the Pheu Thai Party to formally issue a statement assuring it would not amend any law related to the monarchy.

In related news, Chitpas Bhirombhakdi, a deputy Democrat spokeswoman, yesterday led a public campaign against the movements to amend Article 112 by the Nitirat group.

The gathering, held at the Royal Plaza, was attended by around 50 people.

Ms Chitpas said she was speaking on behalf of a group called the Facebook Network of People Who Love the King. She said the group would also gather signatures of people who disagree with the movement to amend Article 112.She said she understood the country has to change but changes must be based on sound reasoning, not malice.