The internet/email lit up on the evening of 22 April 2011 with rumors that the prominent historian Somsak Jeamteerasakul [สมศักดิ๋ เจียมธีรสกุล] had been charged with lese majeste. Yet to be charged, he has been accused.
Prachatai reported the case, calling Somsak a “staunch critic of the monarchy…”. He was to hold a press conference on 24 April at Thammasat University.
He was reportedly a speaker at a public forum on the monarchy, constitution and democracy on 10 December 2010, and the charges reportedly relate to this event.
Critics are reportedly arguing that this high-profile arrest will likely “backfire.” Vipar Daomanee, a fellow academic at Thammasat University, said: ‘Somsak has always been careful [in expressing himself] and the fact that the ruling class is using this law is short-sighted, blind and dictatorial‘.”
Perhaps thinking of Abhisit Vejjajiva’s claims that academic criticism is not “out-of-bounds” when it comes to lese majeste, “Vipar … added that Somsak always cited detailed academic texts and facts whenever he criticised the law or the institution.” Clearly, those pushing the current [April 2011] round of lese majeste persecutions have thrown that idea out and are now setting their sights on any critics of the monarchy, trying to rub out all opposition.
Lese majeste academic David Streckfuss states: “Striking against red-shirt leaders is one thing but striking against an academic is another…”, adding that “Somsak and his group’s approach to criticisms are ‘very measured’.”
The article in The Nation also claims that Somsak has been subject to “threatening phone calls of late and some unknown motorcyclists also drove in front of his home to harass him.”
When he appeared at Thammasat University, some 500 academics, diplomats, members of the foreign media, and social activists also turned up to support him and denounce the campaign against him, apprarently prompted by Army boss Prayuth Chan-ocha.
The pattern for Thailand is depressingly clear and dark.
Media reports on Somsak’s case:
Bangkok Post,25 April 2011: “Intellectuals join Somsak to defend stance”
The Nation, 24 April 2011: “Shock over lese-majeste charge against Thammasat historian”
Prachatai, 23 April 2011: “Academic threatened with lese majeste charges”
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