Tense standoff at Thammasat over lese majeste law
Ban on Nitirat needed, but should be lifted ASAP
My sympathy to Thammasat University rector Somkit Lertpaithoon who is in the unfortunate position of being caught in the middle of a potentially hostile confrontation between the Nitirat group and their supporters on the one hand and their opponents on the other over the lese majeste law, or Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
Somkit’s trouble stems from the university administration’s decision on Jan 30 banning any group of people from using the campus to stage activities which may lead to violent conflict which could pose a threat to the people and property on the campus.
To be more specific, the ban was aimed at the seven law lecturers under the name of Nitirat group which has been using Thammasat University to launch their campaign to amend the lese majeste law and to change the Constitution regarding the monarchy.
Writing in his Facebook social media page, Somkid said he was in a no-win situation. Whether he allowed or banned the Nitirat group to use the campus for their activities there were people who would disagree either way.
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About the author
- Writer: Veera Prateepchaikul
- Position: Former Editor
