Thai opposition party pushes to amend royal insult law | Inquirer News

Thai opposition party pushes to amend royal insult law

/ 04:31 PM February 10, 2021

BANGKOK — A Thai opposition party on Wednesday submitted a proposal to amend the country’s strict royal insult law, a potentially groundbreaking move that it said could ease political tension and improve freedom of expression amid anti-government protests.

The proposed amendment by 44 lawmakers from the opposition Move Forward Party comes a day after four leaders of youth-led demonstrations were jailed pending trial under the royal insult law, known as lese majeste, which carries penalties of up to 15 years in prison.

The move is significant in a country where criticizing the king – who is revered among the military and many conservative Thais – has long been taboo and even talking about lese majeste can trigger a criminal charge.

Article continues after this advertisement

At least 58 activists have been charged with royal insult since November over protests where calls were made for reform of the monarchy and an end to military involvement in government.

FEATURED STORIES

Move Forward wants to allow honest criticism of the monarchy, sharply reduce punishment terms and allow only the Royal Household Bureau, instead of private citizens, to file lese majeste complaints with police, which it said would prevent abuse.

Those who defame or threaten the king would still face imprisonment under the proposal, but for up to one year, or a 300,000 baht ($10,027) fine, or both.

Article continues after this advertisement

“This is a proposal that we think all sides can talk about, can accept and live with, and it will ease the political tension,” said Move Forward lawmaker Chaithawat Tulathon.

Article continues after this advertisement

The amendment would need majority support from the military-appointed Senate and the elected lower house, where the army-backed coalition of former coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha holds a firm majority after disputed 2019 elections.

Article continues after this advertisement

Royalist party Thai Pakdee on Wednesday submitted a rival proposal signed by more than 100,000 people to stop any lese majeste law amendment.

“Some groups wanted to topple the monarchy, but they are telling society that they only want to reform,” said Warong Dechgitvigrom, of Thai Pakdee Party.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Politics, Thailand

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.