Conversation with Sulak Sivaraksa on Lese-majeste Law

The Lab of Generations, also known as Gens Lab, recently launched an interview conducted by Tarntawan “Tawan” Tuatulanont and Thanalop “Yok” Phalanchai—both of whom have been charged under Thailand's Article 112, or lese-majeste law. The two youth activists sat down with famed social critic Sulak Sivaraksa to discuss various critical social and political issues.

Article 112 as a Tool of Despots

Both youths began the conversation by sharing the personal ordeals they have faced stemming from their activism against the excessive use of Article 112. Tawan noted that she was charged simply for raising a question about the appropriateness of royal motorcades. When she asked Sulak about the significance and impact of Article 112, he shared his own past encounters with such threats. He recalled criticizing General Suchinda Kraprayoon for seizing power and overthrowing the constitution, framing the general's coup as an act that defamed the monarchy. In retaliation, Suchinda accused Sulak of lese-majeste, forcing Sulak to flee the country. He fought for his innocence abroad for more than four years before winning his case, which finally paved the way for his safe homecoming.

In Sulak’s view, Article 112 is fundamentally a tool used by despots. He pointed out that the late King Bhumibol had stated clearly that using Article 112 against the people only damages the monarchy. According to Sulak, the law has never protected the crown; it only protects tyrants. Therefore, it must either be abolished or, at the very least, reformed. He highlighted the rampant abuse of the law, noting that those accused of defaming the monarchy are immediately arrested without any consideration of context. Sulak shared a personal example, noting he was once accused of lese-majeste simply for criticizing the medieval King Naresuan. This accusation was a clear abuse of the system, as the law is only supposed to cover the living monarch. However, the police felt compelled to make the arrest out of fear that they themselves might be charged with lese-majeste for negligence.

The Judiciary and the Need for Compassion

Tawan then asked Sulak about the role of judges in Article 112 cases. Sulak identified the judiciary as a core problem, stating that judges in Thailand lack true independence. As a result, they sometimes fail to prioritize actual justice and completely misunderstand the harsh living conditions of those in prison. Sulak emphasized that this is a matter of moral courage; judges must know the law thoroughly, and when delivering verdicts, they must look beyond rigid legalism to incorporate kindness, compassion, and mercy.

Youth Activism and the Generational Divide

Yok shifted the conversation to youth activism, which parts of Thai society often view as "poison." She asked if locking up young people was truly the right way out. Sulak expressed deep admiration for the new generation and their courage, calling it unfortunate that some members of the older generation (Phuyai) still expect youth to remain passive. He asserted that such expectations are outdated, as the future belongs to the young, who are sacrificing for their own tomorrow. He urged the Phuyai to offer moral support rather than looking down on youth whose ideas make their own outdated thinking seem out of place.

When Tawan asked how the older and younger generations can coexist, Sulak expressed optimism regarding certain political parties, such as the People’s Party, which have shown the courage to support youth while raising critical social issues. He suggested that the courts should learn from these parties and stop assuming they know better, criticizing the judiciary for being narrow-minded and failing to comprehend a changing society. When Yok asked what advice he would give to conservative leaders, Sulak replied that even though he is an old man himself, he deeply appreciates the youth and dreams of a better society placed safely in their hands.

Engaging Progressive Phuyai and Systemic Reform

Sulak further noted that not all Phuyai are bad or old-fashioned. He advised young activists to learn how to engage with progressive older figures to help push their agendas forward, noting that good and bad Phuyai exist in every society, and the youth must learn to identify them. In this dynamic, Sulak emphasized that the media has a crucial role to play—it must remain critical and prioritize truth over corporate profit. Furthermore, he argued that the education system must be thoroughly reformed to ensure that graduates are driven to do good for the poor.

The Monarchy and the Legitimacy of Criticism

Yok then asked Sulak what he envisioned for the role of the monarchy moving forward. Sulak revealed that the current king had previously spoken with him directly, asking how the monarchy could survive in the modern era. Sulak recalled telling the king that if the monarchy exists for the benefit of the people, it will survive; conversely, if it thinks only of its own self-interest, it will not. When Tawan asked if this implied a need for monarchical reform, Sulak agreed, stating that all institutions must reform if they wish to survive. Tawan then followed up by asking if her criticisms regarding royal motorcades should therefore be seen as legitimate. Sulak agreed completely, expressing hope that those in charge of royal motorcades would take her criticisms into consideration. He stressed that absolutely all institutions must be subject to criticism, though he added a caveat that such criticism should ideally be rooted in good intentions.

A Message to Political Prisoners

Finally, Tawan asked Sulak to send a message to those currently imprisoned on Article 112 charges. Sulak offered words of solidarity, reminding them that every single battle for justice faces immense obstacles, and that bringing about real change is never an easy task.

Watch full interview (in Thai) HERE – https://www.facebook.com/61589217436596/videos/1406925751195476/