At New Mandala and at YouTube there is a new 30-minute podcast available in NM’s series on Nation, Religion and King. This episode is titled “King”. The panel of academic analysts includes Tyrell Haberkorn, Charnvit Kasetsiri, Pavin Chachavalpongpun and Patrick Jory — offer their views on the political role of Thailand’s royal family, on the country’s lese majeste law, and on the succession to the throne, among a range of issues. Well worth viewing.
The assessment of lese majeste is useful, although the idea that the monarchy cannot be discussed, while true in law, is now outdated in fact for the monarchy’s political role is now widely discussed. Yes, lese majeste continues to be used as a political weapon and remains a weight on full public discussion. However, post-2006 coup, criticism of the monarchy’s political interventions is widespread.
Political Prisoners in Thailand 