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Former PM Thaksin supports amendment of Thailand’s lèse majesté law

13 Sept 11:31 Key points summarised by AI

Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra advocates for amending Thailand's lèse majesté law (Section 112), specifically criticizing the maximum 15-year prison term as too severe.
He points out a critical flaw in the current law: anyone can file a complaint, which police are obligated to accept, contrasting it with a previous system that had a vetting committee.
Thaksin defends the new generation's perspectives on the monarchy, urging the government to understand their views rather than mislabeling them as anti-monarchist.
He supports the Pheu Thai Party's efforts to use parliament as a channel for amending the lèse majesté law and ensuring bail for those accused under it.
The Pheu Thai Party is preparing to propose amendments to Sections 112 and 116 (sedition) and has petitioned to establish a parliamentary committee to oversee law enforcement's power regarding citizens' rights.

Yesterday 17:04 Key points summarised by AI

Civic groups, including those representing labourers and older people, submitted a protest letter demanding the Bhumjaithai Party withdraw bills to shift funding for four organizations (Thai PBS, Older Persons Fund, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Sports Authority of Thailand) from earmarked taxes to the central government budget.
Leaders argue these organizations were established for public interest, supporting public service media, elder care, public health, and sports development, and any amendments should consider all stakeholders' views.
Over 70% of parliamentary poll respondents opposed the proposed changes, prompting civic leaders to call on the ruling party to respect the people's will and withdraw the bills.
A network of slum dwellers also opposes the funding changes, threatening a rally if the government fails to address their demands.