[Tlc] T-politics

[justinm at ucr.edu]

FYI.
Thanks,
justin

ANNOUNCEMENT



International Scholars Call for Reform of Thailand’s Lese Majeste Law





On Wednesday 10:00 AM, at the Foreign Correspondence Club of Thailand, there 
will be a press conference on a campaign regarding the lese majeste law in 
Thailand.



The lese majeste law in Thailand has been abused for political purposes. 
Even Dr. Tej Bunnag, an advisor to the Office of His Majesty's Principal 
Private Secretary, said recently that the lese majesty law is a problem.



Over fifty international scholars and dignitaries have signed a letter to 
the Thai Prime Minister calling for reform of the lese majeste law. The 
letter comes after a spate of lese majeste cases in Thailand and moves by 
the Thai government to restrict internet discussion of the royal family.



Initial signatories to the letter include leaders in human rights and civil 
liberties, world class scholars, leading legal scholars, and leading 
international scholars of Southeast Asia and Thailand. People who would like 
to be signatories are welcome to join. The letter willbe delivered in late 
March or early April 2009. Details will be released at the press conference 
tomorrow.



The press conference will be conducted via internet (Skype) by Dr. Thongchai 
Winichakul from Madison, Wisconsin, and Dr. Andrew Walker from Canberra, 
Australia. The Press Release will be distributed on that day.






______________
Dr. Justin McDaniel
Dept. of Religious Studies
3046 INTN
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA 92521
951-827-4530
justinm at ucr.edu