In Thailand, the new year was not only ushered by a new set of politicians but also proposals. Among them is the application of lese majeste laws in cyberspace. With the king as the most revered figure among the Thais, the country actively implements lese majeste laws on content and actions that are otherwise disrespectful of the monarchy. In Thailand, lese majeste offense has a penalty of 15 years imprisonment.

Early this month, The Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies announced a proposal to spend as much as Bhat 80 million (US$2.3 million) for an equipment that can block lese majeste websites.

Media activist and Thai Netizen Network (TNN) coordinator Supinya Klangnarong asserts, “There was an interest in measures like this before. But this time is more significant because they want to show that they protect the monarchy.” Being a much revered figure, the King has been seen as a moral force that can bestow political legitimacy.

As political science professor and activist Giles Ji Ungpakorn describes, “[The king's] status has been systematically promoted by military juntas and the elite in general.... This picture of power creates a shell to protect the entire ruling class and the status quo under a climate of fear. The army especially needs such a legitimising shell because it is no longer OK for the military hold political power, unless it can claim to protect the monarchy.” Ungpakorn himself is facing lese majeste charges for his book, A Coup for the Rich and other commentaries.

Earlier, a webmaster was arrested for a controversial clip that was posted on his website without his knowledge. Just day after TNN met with present prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on 12 January 2009, internet user Suwicha Thakhor was arrested by the Department of Special Investigations which claimed that his website matched the IP address of a particular comments about the king.

Prior to the announcement of purchasing a censorship equipment, TNN has been lobbying against the Computer Crime Act of 2007. Section 14 penalises Thai and foreign internet users who pose content that are considered a threat to national security. However, the law is silent in defining what constitutes illegal content.

According to Klangnarong, at least two individuals were charged of violations of Section 14. However, after they confessed to charges, they have not been allowed to speak with the media. In the network's meeting with Vejjajiva, the latter agreed with the principle of balancing freedom of expression and national security.

“We challenge the government to come up with appropriate measures. We further challenge it to restore democracy and human rights, including freedom of expression,” Klangnarong remarked.

Sources:

Interview with Supinya Klangnarong (15 January 2009).

Computer Crime Act of 2007 (B.E. 2550). (24 July 2007; Unofficial English Translation). URL: http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=117

Bangkok Post. (12 January 2009). “Giles faces lese majeste charge.” URL: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/135822/giles-ungpakorn-faces-lese-majeste-charge

Reporters without Borders. (14 January 2009). “Another Internet user arrested for lese majeste as Internet regulation dialogue gets under way.” URL: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=29980

Ungpakorn, Giles Ji. (15 December 2008). “Thailand: `Cockroaches' take over.” URL: http://links.org.au/node/796