International Scholars Call for Reform of Thailand's Lese Majeste Law

* photo copyright*

Royal Guard on parade. November 23rd, 2008.

Over that the Foreign Corespondents Club Thailand (FCCT) there will be a very interesting press conference on lese majeste reform.

Notably, the speakers are only there via internet link, and not actually in Thailand.

From the FCCT:

Wednesday, March 4, 10:00 am

Thailand's lese majeste law has been abused for political purposes. Even Dr. Tej Bunnag, an advisor to the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary, said recently that the lese majeste law is a problem.

More than 50 international scholars and dignitaries have signed a letter to the Thai Prime Minister calling for reform of the lese majeste law. The letter comes after a spate of lese majeste cases in Thailand and moves by the Thai government to restrict internet discussion of the royal family.

Initial signatories to the letter include leaders in human rights and civil liberties, world class scholars, leading legal scholars, and leading international scholars of Southeast Asia and Thailand. The press conference will be conducted via internet (Skype).

Speakers:

• Dr. Thongchai Winichakul from Madison, Wisconsin

• Dr. Andrew Walker from Canberra, Australia