Thailand’s Royal Law—A Hot Ticket for Politicians
The political scene in Thailand has turned into a “who’s‑on‑what” game, and the latest giveaway is the country’s strict lese majeste bar
What’s the Issue?
The lese majeste law is a century‑old rule that can rack up up to 15 years in prison for anyone who “insults” the king. It was a no‑talk subject for decades in a nation that treats the monarch with almost heavenly reverence.
Why the Change Now?
A surge of youth‑led rallies from late last year has flipped the script. These students dared to voice demands for reforms, even calling out the monarchy itself. That boldness lit a spark that the opposition party Pheu Thai soon fed into.
The Party Push
After Pheu Thai lodged a motion to review how the law’s wielded, the other eight parties rushed to respond. They’re weighing their own stances on whether the law is a modern relic or a critical safeguard.
Who’s Got in Hot Water?
- 155 people (including 12 minors) already face charges for lese majeste—
- Proof from Thai Lawyers for Human Rights shows the law’s bite has struck a blow at the bold student protesters.
Expert Take
Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political analyst at Chulalongkorn University, says: “The law has become a fault line in Thai politics. It was inevitable.”
He adds, “Moving forward, this will be the front‑and‑centre issue deciding Thailand’s political future.”
So, as the debate heats up, the world watches—will the monarchy stay a revered figurehead, or will it get a modern makeover?
Destructive debate?
Thailand’s Royal Debate Gets a Tidal Wave of Pushback
When the Pheu Thai party pushed for a parliamentary tweak of the lese‑majesté law, the reaction from royal‑leaning conservatives was louder than a drumroll at a royal banquet.
Coalition Heads Stand Firm
- Prime Minister Prayuth Chan‑ocha, the former army chief, steeled the ruling bloc with an iron‑clad message: “It’s a security matter for our country. We don’t want to destroy something that is revered by Thai people.”
- Other coalition leaders echoed the sentiment, insisting the law is about national safety and not a ticket to parading politics.
While Prayuth’s administration denies any abuse, the palace—long ago sworn to ignore—remains silent. Thailand’s media, usually as cautious as a mare on a cornstalk, made a rare move: the Bangkok Post ran an infographic titled “To Change or Not to Change”, mapping party positions on the sacred law.
Opposition Sparks Heat
- Move Forward and Seri Ruam Thai charge the government with wielding the royal law as a “political sword.” They call for a lighter touch in fines and sentences.
- In February, 44 Move Forward lawmakers tried to slash the maximum penalty from 15 years to just one year—or a fine of 300,000 baht (~S$12,000)—but Parliament slammed the move as unconstitutional.
- Thaksin Shinawatra, the now‑exiled former PM and de‑facto Pheu Thai founder, added fuel by defending the very law he’s accused of breaking, yet still pleading for “better application.”
Experts Weigh In
Political scientist Wanwichit Boonprong predicts the review won’t fly in Parliament, though it forces parties to take public stances on one of the country’s most touchy subjects.
Meanwhile, Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, secretary‑general of the student‑led progressive movement and a Move Forward ally, argues the opposition isn’t bold enough—“It’s time to abolish the law altogether.” He urged the party to be “avant‑garde” and push a more progressive agenda.
