Freedom of expression: Shock over lese-majeste charge against Thammasat historian

Prachatai 23rd April, Prachatai 24th April

Somsak Jeamtheerasakul, Thammasat University historian, might face lèse majesté charges.

Somsak, a well known critic of the monarchy, has produced a number of critiques on issues concerning the institution claiming that it acts against freedom of expression.

On 24 April he organized a conference and released a statement calling for the protection of freedom of speech in Thailand. He explaind inter alia:
” During the last decade, I have written several academic and general articles on the monarchy, and have spoken publicly about this issue. I have never used these occasions to propose the so called “lom chao” or “overthrowing the monarchical institution.” Each and every one of my public statement and written work is premised on the assumption of the continuation of the monarchy. At the same time, I do not conceal my view concerning the need to transform and adapt the monarchy according to the principles of democratic governance, the rule of law, and the advances of the modern world. The law permits people to express their views or make recommendations concerning the necessity of transforming and adapting the monarchy. Such acts are not illegal; they break neither the constitutional nor criminal law. For this reason, I have always written and spoken about this issue under my real name. At the beginning of 2010, I presented my view concerning the reform of the monarchy as an eight-point proposal, which I subsequently made available to the public. The proposal was widely read. On February 21, 2010, Senator Kamnoon Sitthisamarn, for one, reproduced it, accompanied by his commentary, in Manager newspaper.
The talk I gave on December 10, 2010, and any statement or writing I have produced since then, have all been within the framework of these eight concrete, legally justifiable, proposals concerning reforming the monarchy.”

International and local intellectuals issued statements expressing their concern over the recent harassment and threats made against him.



Source:
1. http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/2437
2. http://www.prachatai3.info/english/node/2436
3. http://thaipoliticalprisoners.wordpress.com/2011/04/24/developments-in-the-somsak-case/

Read more at:
1. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/233524/intellectuals-join-somsak-to-defend-stance
2. http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/2440
3. http://asiancorrespondent.com/53047/new-wave-of-thai-repression-begins-with-threats-to-academics/