Take this video for example. It was made by a Thai, who is probably extremely proud to be Thai, but who thinks differently to other Thais. Is that so wrong? Why should everyone be forced to have the same opinion about the king? That's what "universal" means you know.
The point I'm making is that as "outsiders" looking in, we should be very careful about how we see Thai people and their culture. Sweeping statements about the relationship between the Thai king and his subjects, can be manipulated to justify lese majeste law.
Personally, I agree with DieDieChakri, the maker of this video. Some thais may feel genuine love towards King Bhumibol, but others don't. It's not that loving the Thai king is wrong, it's just that not having a choice is wrong. Lese majeste law enforces respect for the Thai king by law.
That's why lese majeste law is wrong, because it forces Thai people to express certain positive opinions about their king, which they may not believe. As if that's not enough, Lese majeste law also requires a public demonstration of "respect" for their king, whenever Thai people and foreigners go to the cinema in Thailand.
Advocates of this law are contradicting themselves. If the love felt by Thais towards their king really is "universal", then the opposite of what they say is true. In fact, lese majeste law would be totally unnecessary because no-one would ever criticise King Bhumibol and end up in prison for it. The arguments in favour of this law don't make any sense.
Thais and foreigners alike, have a right not to stand up for King Bhumibol before watching a film. It's time to abolish lese majeste law.
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