REVIEW LESE MAJESTE LAW, ABHISIT TOLD

By D. Arul Rajoo

BANGKOK, March 4 (Bernama) -- Following a spate of lese majeste cases in the
Kingdom, coupled by the Government's move to restrict internet discussion of
the royal family, a group of international scholars and dignitaries want a
reform of the lese majeste law.

Over 50 of the scholars and dignitaries have signed a letter to Prime
Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, calling for such a reform to prevent further abuses
and damage to the international reputation of Thailand and the monarch.

The letter, to be submitted to Abhisit in late March or early April, urges
the government to consider not seeking more suppressive measures against
individuals, websites, and the peaceful expressions of ideas.

In a statement Wednesday, campaign leader Thongchai Winichakul, who is also
a professor at the Department of History, University of Wisconsin-Madison, said
the group wanted the prime minister to consider withdrawing the current lese
majeste charges and secure the release of those already convicted under the law.

"They are charged for expressing their ideas. This should not be a
crime," the letter said, arguing that "frequent abuse of the lese majeste law
against political opponents undermines democratic processes" and generates
"heightened criticism of the monarchy and Thailand itself, both inside and
outside the country.

Last month, the revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej pardoned and freed
Australian writer Harry Nicolaides who was jailed three years for insulting
the royal family.

Prominent figures facing lese majeste charges are former Prime Minister's
Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair and Associate Professor Giles Ji Ungpakorn of
the Political Science Faculty at Chulalongkorn University.

According to previous reports, Thai authorities have banned nearly 4,000
websites for allegedly insulting the monarchy while there are more than 17
criminal cases pending in court.

-- BERNAMA