http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/thailand/4741301/Australian-author-Harry-Nicolaides-freed-after-insulting-Thai-monarch.html
Australian author Harry Nicolaides, 41, who was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to slandering the Thai royal family but received a royal pardon after spending five months in prison, and was released February 20, 2009 is a indication that defaming the king will not be tolerated by Thais or foreigners. In a time when political parties are splitting in Thailand between pro and anti monarchists, while the government is taking no chances in making examples of all who defame the crown.
How can this continue, and what are the ramifications?
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This is an unfortunate situation, and I have to admit that I am not very knowledgeable about the topic. It is wonderful that Nicolaides was finally released after so many years for slandering the royal family. I guess, according to the Thai government, he paid his dues. The quesion, how can this continue and what are the ramifications. First, it must be taken into consideration that with any govenment, change comes slowly and at a price. If Lese Majsete laws are ever reversed it will take time. So, in the future many who speak out against the govenment will pay the price. Eventually, over a long period of time, the laws may be overturned. The conservatives will fight against this change in order to preserve the nationlasitic pride in the state and the govenment. Liberals will see this as a chance to voice their opinions opnly against corruption and state evils. In keeping these laws on the books, change will not occur. For how can change come when a country's citizens (or outsiders) speak out against problems of the state? Only through speaking out can there be change. There are other countries in Asia who have similar laws on their books. In contrast, look at the United States. This may not the most perfect state in the world, but otuspoken people have made many differences in the fate of the country. Perhaps Obama was elected due to this outspokenness. Thailand needs to go through the same process, if it is ever to change. However, I see conservatives holding on to their power for a long time; thus the laws will be on the books for a long time to come.
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