Please read – especially some comments at the end of the topic.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/6498297.stm

It’s time to speak out for our King. I will definitely do so.

I just don’t understand how people – like X, UK – put their extreme comments without a bit knowledge of Thai culture and history. I don’t understand how they act like they are so superior and much better than others. We need to educate them.

Hope to see your comments on BBC.


I copied it from BBC. In case you want to read it here.

Sensitive heads of state
By Patrick Jackson
BBC News

Swiss citizen Oliver Jufer, who pleaded guilty to insulting the Thai king by spray-painting portraits, has been jailed for 10 years under Thailand's rarely-used lese Majeste law.

Thailand is not the only state to prosecute those who offend their head of state though few such laws are as draconian. It's law carries a maximum prison sentence of 75 years.

The concept of lese Majeste (Eng: injury to the Majesty) as a crime goes back to ancient Rome and was jealously guarded by absolute monarchs in medieval Europe, while something similar existed in Asian cultures.

In Brunei, which like Thailand is ruled by a monarchy, three men were jailed for a year in 2006 for sending mobile phone clips judged seditious and insulting to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and his family.

Laws protecting the "dignity" of a monarch have been borrowed by many modern republics.

In the Indian Ocean state of the Maldives, three journalists were sentenced to life in 2002 for "insulting the president" and setting up a newsletter critical of the government.

Traditionally you have a division in countries between acts against the monarch which are treason and rude things said against the monarch which are lese Majeste
Prof Ronald Hutton
Bristol University

In Poland, a member of the European Union, you can technically get up to three years for offending the president.

That protection is extended to any foreign head of state visiting the country. Thus police arrested 28 demonstrators in 2005 who were protesting against President Vladimir Putin of Russia, a country which has not enjoyed good relations with its western neighbour at the best of times.

The chief concern about insult laws among human rights campaigners is that they can be used to stifle freedom of expression.

A basic right

"Freedom of speech is one of the most basic human rights," a spokesperson for Amnesty International told the BBC News website.

"No state should be prosecuting any individual for expressing an opinion held peacefully."

Amnesty is not quibbling with laws on defamation or incitement which, it says, rightfully exist in any state to protect individuals and the community.

But other than these recognised limits on freedom of speech, there should be no restrictions, it argues.

Republics which have prosecuted people for insulting their heads of state in recent years are typified by authoritarian leaders

An Egyptian court sentenced blogger Abdel Kareem Soliman in February to four years in prison for insulting Islam and President Hosni Mubarak

Kazakhstan gave journalist Kaziz Toguzbayev a two-year suspended sentence in January for "insulting the honour and dignity" of President Nursultan Nazarbayev

Zimbabwe gave a two-year suspended sentence to businessman Jason Gambitzs in 2004 for denigrating President Robert Mugabe by saying he had "printed useless money"

Belarus sentenced two opposition figures, Valeriy Levonevskiy and Alexander Vasiliev, in 2004 for publicly insulting President Alexander Lukashenko

Syria sentenced journalist Mohammad Ghanem to six months in prison in 2006 for charges which included insulting President Bashar al-Assad
Access to the popular video-sharing website YouTube was suspended in Turkey this month after prosecutors told a court that clips had appeared on the site insulting national hero Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - who has been dead for nearly 70 years.

Rebellious or rude?

Freedom of speech was not, strictly speaking, at issue in Thailand's prosecution of Oliver Jufer, who admitted spray-painting several portraits of the king while drunk.

"It was the idea that being rude about a government was a very bad idea - it hurt the government but was technically not treason because no act of rebellion was committed," Prof Ronald Hutton of Bristol University told the BBC News website.

"In the days before the idea of constitutional opposition, any opposition was regarded as criminal and anybody who spoke against the government had to be prosecuted because it could incite rebellion."

If the concept now sounds obscure in that other leading contemporary monarchy Britain, it is thanks to King Henry VIII (1491-1547), who took personal injury one step further.

"Traditionally you have a division in countries between acts against the monarch which are treason and rude things said against the monarch which are lese Majeste ," Prof Hutton explains.

"But Henry VIII passed an act which made speaking against the king treason in itself so lese Majeste became redundant."

Before anyone gets unduly anxious about offending Queen Elizabeth, it should be pointed out that British parliamentarians dealt with that part of Henry's act long ago.

Since the 1790s, Prof Hutton points out, Britain has had freedom of speech legislation which covers most of what was once "Treason-by-words".

Your comments

I find this ridiculous... In the 21st century today, people can even freely criticise or insult the gods, who does the Thai king think he is? God? or superior than gods? Outrageous! People should boycott travel industry in Thailand. Such country is a horrified country, every single tourist in there must be cautioned over the unstable politics and their "sacred" king... who knows maybe some day a single wrong saying about their king there can cost your fortune and life. Wake up, it's 21st century not feudal era. Everyone is an equal individual, We don't need anyone superior over us.
X, UK

having lived in parts of asia for years, I kinda get the whole respects for monarchy thing - its not about respecting a terrifying institution, but about respecting an institution that symbolises a nation and a people, in a way. If individuals in parts of the 'free' west can be charged under law for burning the flag of certain nations, what difference defacing a poster depicting a symbol of another? If this guy had been simply an ignorant tourist, then he wouldn't know better, but he had lived in the country for 10 years. Though I hope he is pardoned, I understand why a nation that has made him welcome for such a time might not feel inclined to let him off lightly.
penny, glasgow,scotland

Yet another travesty of Thai "Justice". This says far more about Thailand than it does about Oliver Jufer; Draconian sentences like the one handed down today serve no purpose in the 21st century other than to maintain already fraught divisions between Western and Eastern cultures.
Marc, London

If King Bhumibol can truly call himself as such then he should step in and pardon Oliver Jufer.
Richard, London, UK

No one brings anything into the world at birth, no one will take anything out of it at death. Everybody, including monarchs, should bear that in mind.
wilhelm mistiaen, antwerp, belgium

While we enjoy the privilege of international travel, especially to places in Asia, we are made aware of, and therefore must abide by, all national and international laws. Many foreigners travelling through such countries seem to think that they are above these laws and that they only apply to the "locals" and that their respective embassies will step up and get them out of trouble. It's simple, respect the laws of the countries that let you in.
Derek Junor, Toronto, Canada

The countries you mentioned are just the tip of the ice-berg. Regimes which need these repressive laws to avoid accountability and shut down public debate are the real traitors.
Adrian, Melbourne, Australia

For Murdoch in Prague: It seems clear from your comments that you understand nothing of respectability, opinions, laws or customs of other countries. I do wonder what kind of upbringing you were subjected to that you cannot see the man was wrong in insulting and not respecting His Majesty the King. Furthermore, I do not believe His Majesty sees Westerners as threats. The whole issue fundamentaly lies with respecting one's culture, which the West seems to have forgotten how to. Any patriots would understand that. If you are one, and find your country insulted, I doubt you would write what you, sadly, have written. Respectfully yours, M in Oxford.
M, Oxford

Honestly, I find this rather comic and cruel at the same time, on one side you have a drunk and on the other, a king, who in my opinion, must have an explosive temper and turn purple at the mere idea of him being put down. Yes it may be against the law to do so, yet if all of a sudden the king says that he feels that anyone from the West is a threat and should be kicked out to maintain his ego, is that right? No, and all this is is one person poking fun at the king. It poses no threat to the king at all. So why freak out over an insult? Now this may sound harsh but why not just quit being self-saturated and care for your people for they are the ones keeping your country alive, it's not all you sir.
Murdoch, Prague. Czech Republic

It is appalling that such extreme laws still exist. The king of Thailand may be loved by his people, but since it is illegal to report anything but good news, they cannot possibly know what he is really like. Maybe he is as wonderful as they think, but maybe not. These draconian laws do not help the monarchy, except to stifle and control any opposition. I think they are used to stop ordinary Thai people learning the truth about how their country is run behind the scenes and by whom.
Mary Aquila, Stockholm, Sweden

I think it was just a rude act, and an apology should suffice. Personally, I believe it is most insulting to other human to consider oneself a king or queen. Aren't we all created equal?
Jamila Thomas, USA/kwt

Sorry, I am Chinese, but I still find this ridiculous. I know in the ancient Asian coulture, these kind of acts are very serious crimes. Not just Asia, but I guess everywhere of the world. However, in modern world? No way. Don't claim this Asian culture, maybe it's a Thai culture, but it's not an Asian culture, it's a feudal and out of date practice. In modern Asian societies, we don't think this "lese Majeste" act is any good thing and can represent Asian culture. Never! PS, I criticise our Chinese Communist leaders and their policies everyday, even the former chairman Mao.
Ming, China

In the Far East, we respect our monarchs not only as part of our culture, but even to the extend of our beliefs (divine majesty) sometimes. As such the view of lese Majeste is somewhat more serious compared to the "openness" of Western culture. You say, when in Rome, do as the Romans. I say, when in Asia, do as the Asians, please.
T.Chunlakorn, Thailand

The man deserves what he got. He has been in Thailand 10 years and without a doubt knew at the time that his actions would most likely result in his prosecution. Everyone in Thailand knows this, even ordinary tourists.
Howard Rickman, Bangkok Thailand

Ive lived in Thailand for the past five years. The guy should have known better. There's no excuse. But for "P. Kamao" from Kenya, saying that it's normal for Westerners not to have any respect, is a foolish and contradictory statement. I've been to Africa as an NGO and I've seen the respect that your "elders" have given to the people. And it wasn't pretty. And I've lived in Asia long enough to realize there is no respect in driving. This was simply someone making a stupid decision. You have to remember there are thousands of other Westerners living in countries like Thailand who are respectful.
T. Johnson, bangkok, Thailand

You know, it may seem outrageous from the Western perspective! But Western people should know that respect is very important in most cultures and societies especially in Asia and Africa. I think the Swiss man is paying for his bad bringing up! perhaps he grew up without any sense of respect for anybody including his elders, the trend of which is so familiar and normal in western children and adults.
P. Kamao, Kenya- US

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Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucking moron. A wiseass right here.

Idiot farang.

two sides here which reflect my opinions..

1). you should respect the laws and customs of whatever country you go in, the guy's an idiot for doing what he did in the first place considering how long he has been in thailand BUT

2) i think its a f*cking disgrace that draconian measures exist - yes the king might be respected and revered by all but freedom of speech WILL offend at some point or another. you don't necessarily have to agree with what someone said or even like what they say - i hear people ranting on about how much they hate the euro but i just accept that people think like that, people criticise my political views but i just accept the fact they do, people criticise figures i respect and admire. i don't see any coherent reason why the royal family should be given special treatment considering that they did not choose to be born of royal blood in the first place and that they are made of flesh and blood like you and I. its a bloody disgrace such laws exist.

ps. whilst i condone criticism, i don't understand people who do so - to the best of my knowledge the monarchy didn't install these rules and the king himself has admited he is human as just as fallible as the rest of us. insulting him is uncalled for really but sticking him in jail for 10 years will only strenghen the positions of those who view the monarchy as some sort of mental dictatorship

besides, guy gets 10 years for criticising the king but a brothel owner, somebody who abuses work laws and takes in illegal burmese imigrants......... upholding the lese majeste laws is a priority but other laws are only acting guidelines.....

This is my comment -- may not be published -- you know -- media --

First of all, before you put your comment to this topic (any topic), you better have some knowledge or experiences. As you can see, several comments from people who lived or had experiences living in Thailand, they seem to understand. For all those extremely negative comments, obviously, you never visited Thailand or even leaved your country. Thai people love their King. He has done so much to the country and Thai people especially the poor ones.

For the guy, he has been in Thailand for 10 years. He is no longer a “tourist”. He “lives” in Thailand. I bet Thai people treated him so well, otherwise, why would you want to stay that long. He definitely knows all about this and I would say he deserved it.

And to all that misunderstood my King, this is all about the law. This is not the King’s personal justice. I believe, from his kindness, he doesn’t want it this way. But he can’t do anything, because “Thai King is also under the law”.

Thanks for Derek Junor, Toronto – “It’s simple; respect the laws of the countries that let you in”. I want to add that “not just the laws you have to respect, you have to respect their people too”. If you can do that – you are always welcome to Thailand.

punishment seems a bit too extreme. but on the other hand, arrogant westerners have disrespected the asian people for long enough. this guy can rot in a fuking hole for all i care.

When you are in another country, you must follow their law. If you don't, you pay for it. Simple as that.

He should have known better.

Not all Westerners -- I read all comments after the topic. Very obvious that if the Westerners who live in Thailand or know Thai people, they seem to understand. Thanks to them though that they spoke out for us. We should speak out loud too. The trouble ones, I bet, they’ve never been out of their countries or (want to) learn others. Actually, Westerns, now a day, are aware that they are going to loose their power, that’s all they are trying so hard just to keep it.

Did you guys send your comments to BBC? One thing we have to be aware is that “the media” intend to publish the extreme opposite sides. I think we have to send messages to them anyway, no matter this is BBC which is British who always pay no respect to their Queen.

Its okay to have sex with underage boys and give them AIDS in thailand, but dont insult the "king".

THANK YOU !!!

All farangs and wiseässes who "pretend" to know shït on the subject can go to hell.

Because they were raised in a different culture, they think they have the right to tell others what is morally correct and how things should be done according to them. Meh, fuck you all.

Yeah, fu-k you all! If you don't like the law in Thailand then don't go there. Simply as that.

what is so special about this king anyways? they even stood up while the commercial was airing in the theater.

Let's see, just the tip of the iceberg here...

He visited the poor areas of Thailand, helped improve their lives in many ways. Like the proposal of 'settakeed pau-piong', making rain for farmers, ended bloodshed in both 1973 and 1992 during protests, and the current issue of Thaksin protests didn't involve bloodshed because Thai people always had the King in their hearts.

Okay, you know what? Let me just find sites for you guys to visit.

BRB...

save ur time, not interested.
its just that i cant forget the moment just when i wanted to go to the toilet, everyone else stood up. i thought they were all going to the toilet too :p

sounds nice and well, but thats what kings are for. but knowing this, i kind of respect him for doing many things for his people. cant say that to many other kings.

Many Kings and Queens don't do this. Yes, they'd visit an area then go home and have his people do the work. There's a difference there. He saves rainforests, grows trees, many of Thailand's forests that was destroyed was saved by him. He plans for small dams to be put in to stop the floods in the north.

It is too much for me to write out. If you just do searches on google or yahoo, you'd know what I mean.

That commercial would be the national anthem. Another practice of respect towards King and Country non-Thais (in this case, as far as I know) can't comprehend.

You remind me of a typical ignorant white people..Or are you black by the way ?

I am not a Thai but I admire Thai king as unlike kings in other countries, he is truly a people's king. From my personal experience with or without the law, Thai people will give their full respect to their king. The "farang" should understand this and he deserves to be punished but personally i think the number of years sentenced is a little too long.

Thai King really cares for his people. This itself deserves full respect from everyone Thais or non-Thais.

Offtopic :

Feleaz, are there similar laws in Msia like the ones in Thailand which punishes any one who publicly criticizes the Sultan Agong?

Are You really Thai ?

You aren't living in Thailand like us !

You'v never known that What's happen in Thailand Now !

It's real that This is the kingdom of fear !!!!

I'm living in Thailand. Things might be kinda rough in the south,but the rest of the country are doing fine.

Thanks to the King.

BTW.Our King is not only doing good works for Thai people. Many other poor countries got benifits from many of his projects and inventions,too.

Soo jao wow eyung ? Koi fung bor hoo leurng . koi bor kao jai pasa ung-get der.

Koi wow ...."some buy dee bor aye?"

Jao wow pasa lao dai nor . Koi some buy dee tair , some buy dee wa . The Thai king is the person that is holding Thailand together. He is one person that can keep the unity of the different ethnic of Thailand. He earn his respect from his people and people of neighboring country. It will be scary to see Thailand when he is gone since the Thai king is the person stoping Thailand from breaking into a war with a string.

Jao wow pasa lao dai nor . Koi some buy dee tair , some buy dee wa . The Thai king is the person that is holding Thailand together. He is one person that can keep the unity of the different ethnic of Thailand. He earn his respect from his people and people of neighboring country. It will be scary to see Thailand when he is gone since the Thai king is the person stoping Thailand from breaking into a war with a string.

kop jai lai lai der. for look at my king with understanding. Yab! you're right! It's quite scary to think of Thailand without Him.I hope he'll be around until the next qualify king exist. I wish Thai people listening more to his "Setakit Porpeang" Theory

This capitalism world is driving everyone crazy.Like the wise man said" This land is enough for everybody need not greed!"

Peace man..........

"I wish Thai people listening more to his "Setakit Porpeang" Theory " . This is one of the thing that makes him a good person. It is hard to find a good and wise man to become king. I don't think there are many people in the world like him. Most people in power abuse there power. People wants more and more , never have enough. I don't think Thailand will have a king after this Thai king. My moms friend study alot about the Thai prophecy . She is from Thailand. She said that Rama the nineth will be the last king in Thailand. Just hope he lives another 20 so Thailand can have time to find a leader like the Thai king. Without a leader for Thailand like the Thai king , Thailand will be in a civil war.

The "Respect The King" slogan was first introduced by authoritarian Sarit Government. I believe it worked well at that time, but now it's getting too much. Thai people are worshipping Thai king like a god. This is why Thailand is going backward. They love thai king, but they don't love themselves and let the economy goes toward downhill.