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Thai Prime Minister promises reform of royal insult law
Agence France Presse - March 7, 2009
Bangkok – The Thai Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, has agreed to consider changing tough laws protecting the kingdom's monarchy following an international campaign.
Critics of the lese-majeste law, which criminalises any insult or defamation of Thailand's royal family, say it is being used for political ends amid a growing crackdown on alleged violators.
More than 50 pundits, including Noam Chomsky, have signed a campaign letter to be sent to the Prime Minister, but Mr Abhisit pre-empted them yesterday by admitting to "problems" with the law's enforcement.
"Initially, we will look into how the law is being enforced because in the past there were problems," he said. "We will clarify the law. I have already discussed the issue and conveyed concern from all parties with the national police chief."
The law bans criticism of 81-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej or any members of the royal family, and is punishable by up to 15 years in jail.
Last month, the Australian writer Harry Nicolaides was pardoned after being sentenced to three years in jail for slandering the Crown Prince in a self-published novel.
Giles Ji Ungpakorn, an outspoken political science professor, fled to Britain last month after he was charged over a book about a 2006 coup in Thailand.
The campaign letter calls for the release of individuals jailed under the lese-majeste law, a reform of the law and an end to "suppressive measures against individuals, websites, and the peaceful expressions of ideas".
Mr Abhisit said any reform, however, would be based on Thai principles and not bowing to foreign pressure.
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