sameskybooks.org & prachatai.com accused

Two websites, sameskybooks.org and prachatai.com, have been accused of lese majeste by Sunimit Jirasuk, a Thai citizen. Sunimit claims that both websites have hosted comments from people who support Chotisak Oonsoong (who was accused of lese majeste after he committed the 'crime' of refusing to stand up for the royal anthem).

Same Sky's website was shut down earlier this year; it moved to a temporary host, then returned to its original location. Yesterday, the site was inaccessible, though a barebones version is available now; it will be fully restored in the next few days. Prachatai's website has featured extensive news coverage of the Chotisak case (significantly more than the mainstream Thai media), including an article by Sulak Sivaraksa.

Sunimit is a private citizen, yet he can accuse anyone of lese majeste whenever he likes. Lese majeste carries not only a potentially long prison sentence but also a huge social stigma in Thailand, yet such accusations can be made by anyone against anyone. (Chotisak was also accused by a private citizen, Navamintr Witthayakul.)

For libel or slander, only the person who has been directly affected can bring charges. Maybe this rule should also be applied to lese majeste. The law itself is rather anachronistic, anyway, because those found guilty are routinely pardoned. This reinforces the image of royal benevolence, though it might be simpler to repeal the law.