Guest GaySacGuy Posted April 5, 2009 Posted April 5, 2009 Well, some things do make the USA's freedoms seem better! By: SURASAK GLAHAN Published: 4/04/2009 at 12:00 AM Newspaper section: NewsThe Criminal Court on Friday sentenced an internet user to 10 years in jail for posting web material deemed insulting to the royal family. Suvicha Thakhor, a 34-year-old former oil engineer, held back tears as he listened to a brief statement by the court which found him guilty of posing a threat to national security. It is the first lese majeste ruling based on the controversial 2007 Computer Crime Act which critics said could have an impact on online political debates. The court cited offences under both the Computer Crime Act, which prohibits the posting and circulation of material regarded to be detrimental to national security or capable of stirring public panic, and the Criminal Code's lese majeste provision. After Suvicha admitted the charges, the court reduced his jail term from 20 years to 10. Suvicha, using an internet pseudonym, last year made available at the YouTube website an altered video clip and information which were found defamatory to the royal family, according to the court. It also said Suvicha conspired with associates, but did not name them, nor say to what extent his actions threatened domestic security. Suvicha's lawyers said their client could appeal within a month. Suvicha and his family burst into tears after leaving court. Complete story at: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1450...ulting-monarchy
Bob Posted April 5, 2009 Posted April 5, 2009 Any country that has any semblance of free speech ought to condemn the conviction and the sentence. Unfortunately, a prime example of why Thailand is in some respects as backwater as it gets.
Gaybutton Posted April 6, 2009 Posted April 6, 2009 Any country that has any semblance of free speech ought to condemn the conviction and the sentence. Unfortunately, a prime example of why Thailand is in some respects as backwater as it gets. Good or bad, that's the way the law works in Thailand and the Thai people are aware of the law. So am I. In my position I am compelled to abide by the laws whether I like it or not. It is extremely difficult to understand just where the line is drawn. For that reason I cannot allow any discussion of this issue on this web site. No offense, but I'm not willing to risk, even remotely, being imprisoned and/or deported for allowing people to post their opinions about the lese majeste laws in Thailand. For that reason I am locking this thread and will delete any posts discussing the royal family or the lese majeste laws. I'm very sorry, but those who wish to discuss those issues will have to do so on another web site, and this thread is now locked.
