112WATCH interviews former Thai police officer, Major General Paween Pongsirin
Paween Pongsirin, a refugee and now an Australian citizen, discusses the lèse-majesté problem in Thailand.
September 11, 2025
"Debate grounded in wisdom is the best way forward. I have never believed that criticism equals subversion. On the contrary, refusal to listen is what weakens institutions and the nation. The more we suppress discussion, the louder the whispers grow—until they are heard around the world."
Read the full interview with Paween Pongsirin below –