March 6, 2009
Bangkok (ASTV Manager Online) – Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban said the monarchy should be protected as the royal family is the mental haven for all Thais.
Monarchy laws were criticized for being used for political purposes, and many lese majeste cases have been investigated by officials.
A group of academics launched the campaign to call for such reform on March 4.
More than 50 academics including philosopher Noam Chomsky and US-based academic Thongchai Winichakul joined the campaign.
However, Suthep said that the movement was supported by just some groups of people and therefore should not represent academics nationwide.
Last month Australian writer Harry Nicolaides was pardoned after being sentenced to three years in jail for slandering the crown prince in a self-published novel, according to AFP.
Giles Ji Ungpakorn, lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, flew to the United Kingdom after the lese majeste charge as well.
Suthep said additional details would be added to make the enforcement of monarchy laws more concrete.
AFP reported that PM Abhisit revealed he has already discussed the issue with the national police chief.
Abhisit confirmed the reform would be based on Thai principles, not foreign pressure.
Asked if such movement was in line with what former premier Thaksin Shinawatra wanted, Suthep said he was informed so and would follow up with the issue.
