Even the divine status of the Thai King seems to be facing serious challenges. Until today, criticising the King was unthinkable. While the King had been a stabilising force in the days when military coups, protests and security threats were rife, it may no longer be necessary as the country reaches a higher level of economic and political development. Ousted PM Thaksin had tried to weaken the monarchy who is heavily influenced by ex-military chiefs but had cost him dearly. Lese majeste criminal code has been used against foreign visitors who showed disrespect to the monarchy, symbolic or ideological.
The red and yellow shirts have receded when the floods inundated Bangkok. The most hotly debated issue now is to challenge the code which teflons the from threats and insults, and virtually above the law.
Democracy demands debate on lese majeste law
Section 112 defines lese majeste as the defaming, insulting or threatening of the King, Queen, Heir-apparent or Regent. The maximum punishment is 15 years in jail for each offence.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16805096
Reform of S 112 is more pressing now than ever as the successor to the ailing King Bhumipol is his only son, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, a well known playboy and spoilt brat who has not earned the people's respect. There is every chance that the next King is not wise and temperamental, hence he could be easily manipulated by both sides. The Crown Prince has been cultivated by the Thaksin camp as well. S 112 may serve as a useful tool for the older generation of power brokers.
Interestingly, the revered Thai King has ever remarked that he is not above the law. However, the Thai establishment prefers to be deaf to such hints. Indeed, ultra-royalists whose power and wealth rests on the unquestionable position of the King and the monarchy as a divine institution, have been the most stake in ensuring continued protection of lese majeste laws. In this latest agitation by academics and intellectuals, conservative oligarchs have again accused reformists of being proxies of Thaksin. The Thai government headed by Thaksin's younger sister Yingluck Shinawatra has been keeping mum for fear of threats. Protectors of the monarchy are powerful forces that continue to dominate Thai politics albeit from behind the scenes and above politicking.
http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/newmandala/category/thailand/lese-majeste-thailand/
There is an age-old Thai belief which prophecised the demise of the Chakri Dynasty with the passing of King Bhumiphol (Rama IX). Perhaps these are early signs of what is to come. Stay tuned.
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