The right to freedom of speech and political opinions shall not be abrogated and misconstrued as a violation of lèse majesté

We, a coalition of three hundred and fifty-nine Thai writers, whose names are signed herein, declare that our right to freedom of speech within the Thai democratic constitution is being undermined, breached and endangered when it is construed to be a violation of Article 112 of the Criminal Code. We believe this to be an unjust and wrongful act of aggression fabricated by various parties to suppress and deny us our right to express political viewpoints by threatening to press charges, prosecute, imprison, and inflict physical harm simply to serve their self-interest and enhance their political power.   

This act not only undermines and sabotages the right to freedom of speech and political expression, but it also violates human rights and dignity despite the protection of the lawful governance of the State. Such barbaric acts of aggression demonstrate a regressive attitude.  A society devoid of freedom can only deteriorate since it is not a true democracy upholding its people's fundamental rights, liberty and equality in voicing oppositional opinions. In particular, for those of us in the writing profession, our contribution to intellectual learning and sharing cannot be bounded as the creative forces that inspire our works of literature are also the fuel that stimulates constructive and ongoing political discourse. Without the right to express one's opinions, there is no understanding of freedom in democracy. Freedom of speech allows us writers to perform our role in society by offering intellectual assets in the cultivation of wisdom. Our well-intentioned views strengthen and stabilize our country in a highly dynamic world.

We hereby appeal to the Members of the Thai Parliament who are the representatives and law makers for the Thai people to take the lead in amending Article 112 of the Criminal Code. This is our call for courage to politicians, academicians, the media and intellectuals from all sectors of Thai society to awaken their conscience and to recognize that the suppression of freedom of speech and expression through the misuse of Article 112 by means of physical threats, pressing charges, lawsuits and intimidation by government officials in power or among members of the Thai public including the mass media, is a grave danger to the stability of our nation. This is of utmost national concern and in urgent need of reform. 

A society will fail not as a result of diversity of opinions, nor lack of solidarity in political discourse, but a society will fail due to its inability to respect basic human rights, to allow opportunities for the public to voice their opinions, and to cherish and learn from the constructive exchange of different points of view. For our society to progress and prosper, it must develop a spirit of cooperation and cultivatean understanding of human rights, freedom and equality. The goal is for all Thais to live harmoniously under the constitutional monarchy rather than privilege those few who hold their view supreme, above and untouchable by common law and legal provisions or even the constitution which governs the nation.

For the reasons so stated, we, the following three hundred and fifty-nine Thai writers undersigned, make a genuine and heartfelt plea for the essential revision and amendment of Article 112 of the Criminal Code. In order to elevate our democracy, to uphold the monarchy and advance our nation, we must abolish the misconstrued interpretation and exercise of the law in question for ill-conceived political purposes.    
 
We hereby proclaim our dignity as writers. We will not be subjugated to unjust treatment of any kind be it threats to harm, violate, supress, repress and arrest from any individuals or groups with malicious intent.
 
As worthy and lawful citizens of the Kingdom of Thailand abiding by the constitution, and loyal subjects of His Majesty the King, we will not yield to those who misuse the lèse majesté to advance their ignoble political objectives whether they be government officials in power, misguided fellow citizens or biased media.
 
The atrociously exploitive abuse of Article 112 of the Criminal Code by those who mask their hostility toward others in the name of loyalty to the King and national security will not be tolerated.

Declared on July 12, 2011
 
 
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