By minimising the actions of an angry mob against a Phuket man who allegedly posted a message deemed offensive to the monarchy on social media to "social sanctions", Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya deserves criticism.
dSuch a statement by the minister, who is also a key member of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), clearly gives the wrong signal -- that he endorses the use of violence against suspects in such highly sensitive cases.
Whether the minister is aware of it or not, his statement is extremely dangerous given the fact that a large number of ultra-royalists who are feeling deep sorrow over the loss of the beloved monarch are showing no signs of hesitation about setting up kangaroo courts and taking matters into their own hands.
There are worries that it may justify -- or even intensify -- witch-hunts which have been going on in society for quite some time.
The Phuket case, which was widely reported in the local media, happened on the night of Oct 14 when several hundred angry people gathered in front of the house of the man in Muang district, demanding that he be punished.
It was not until a local leader promised to press charges against the man in accordance with Section 112 and the Computer Crime Act that the angry mob, seemingly satisfied, finally left the scene.
Similar incidents have been reported in other provinces including Surat Thani, Phangnga and Chon Buri. In these three cases, the mobs forced the suspects to prostrate themselves (and perform a kraab) in front of the King's image to make an apology. A video clip showed the suspect in Chon Buri was violently assaulted -- including being kicked several times in the head and face -- by the crowd before being released.
In another case in Bangkok, a woman who allegedly said something insulting about the monarchy while boarding a bus was attacked by another woman while in the presence of police. The clip of the attack was shared widely on social media with many expressing support for the violence until it was discovered that the inappropriate act on the part of the woman who was attacked was linked to her mental illness which made her lose control of herself.
As the number of similar incidents increases, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha came out and condemned the vigilante acts. He is right in saying that such incidents will merely deepen the country's disunity and cause damage to the high institution.
Earlier, the premier urged people to tolerate those who may appear not to be mourning properly such as those who are not wearing black outfits as their jobs may require them to put on uniforms.
Prime Minister Prayut pointed out that people who find anyone posting messages or saying things deemed insulting to the monarchy should alert state authorities in order that they may take legal action. However, it was his hope that there would not be too many such cases as he believes Thais should be united at this time of loss.
But Gen Paiboon's shameful statement runs contrary to Gen Prayut's stance on the issue. In his opinion, "social sanctions" are most efficient in dealing with lese majeste cases, and the sanctions could be applied to those who have sought asylum abroad as Thai community wants to "protect the institution".
The minister should immediately withdraw his words. As justice minister, he must not forget that we cannot obtain justice from kangaroo courts.
Of all people, he must realise that his duty is to ensure justice for all Thais who are entitled to protection under the same laws.