Thai Panel Recommends Changing Royal Insult Law

A Thai government panel on Thursday recommended the overhaul of a law that places heavy sentences on offenders who insult the royal family—the same law that prompted the conviction of an American citizen last month.
Thai Panel Recommends Changing Royal Insult Law
1/12/2012
Updated:
1/24/2012

A Thai government panel on Thursday recommended the overhaul of a law that places heavy sentences on offenders who insult the royal family—the same law that prompted the conviction of an American citizen last month.

The Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand panel sent a letter to the Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, dated Dec. 30, recommending that the law be toned down. A copy of the letter was first received by news agencies on Thursday, according to CNN.

“It would be appropriate if punishment for offenses against Criminal Penal Code Section 112 were based more on popular sentiment than it is now. This means that it should be less harsh,” the letter said, according to AFP.

Human Rights Watch and other human rights organizations have criticized Thailand’s use of the law, saying it has been misused for political purposes in the past.

The commission said the law “may continue to be used as a political tool and will therefore obstruct reconciliation between people in our country,” and should be changed accordingly.

Anyone convicted of insulting the king, queen, a regent, or heir to the throne can face up to 15 years in prison for each offense, according to the law, which is known as “lese majesty.”

“The people should also encourage and support such an amendment in order to bring about peace and reconciliation in our country,” the letter reads, according to AFP.