Is Lese Majeste Law "Thai Culture"?

What is "culture"? It is a combination of collective values and historical experience of an ethnic group, from which nations are built, in peace, justice and harmony. At the heart of any civilized nation are its laws. These are a reflection of its culture. They are the "glue" which bind a nation and its people together.

Thailand is no different to any other nation in this respect. Yet, unlike other democratic nations, Thailand is on the brink of collapse. The spectre of civil law looms large on the Thai horizon: Bhumibol Adulyadej himself, recently hinted at this: The "glue" is coming apart.

The reason for this disunity is clear for all to see. Thailand's lese majeste law is not only tearing the nation apart, it is discrediting the Thai king and earning Thailand the contempt of the world. Yet, supporters of lese majeste law, continue to justify this law by making reference to Thailand's "unique" culture and history.

Such arguments are folly, of course, lese majeste law has it's origins in France not Thailand. Hence the name, meaning laesa maiestas in Latin, or "injured majesty". No such "historical" basis exist to justify lese majeste law, which was only introduced in Thailand shorty after Bhumibol Adulyadej's coronation.

Only one argument remains, therefore: Lese majeste law reflects the collective moral "values" of the Thai people. I find this hard to believe, especially after watching thousands of "Red Shirts" take to the streets urging the Thai king to pardon Thailand's former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. Thai people know as well as any of us, the difference between right and wrong.

The fact is that Thailand's culture is not "unique" from other nations. Like all other nations, Thai society is built on the values of justice and peace. It is not a "human rights free zone". There is no historical or moral basis to justify lese majeste law. It is time for Thai people to listen to their king, and abolish this law, if Thailand is to succeed as a nation.

Good video from MrThaiPresident