Thai academic cleared of lèse-majesté after questioning legendary war story about fight on the back of an elephant
Thailand’s junta has made increasing use of the lèse-majesté law since seizing power in 2014 and the dismissal of the case before prosecution was a rarity
A Thai military court on Wednesday dropped royal insult charges against an 84-year old historian who questioned whether a Thai king had actually defeated a Burmese adversary in combat on elephant-back more than 500 years ago.
Under Thailand’s strict lèse-majesté law against defaming, insulting or threatening the monarchy, Sualak Sivaraksa could have been jailed for up to 15 years if found guilty over the accusation, which related to a university seminar in 2014.
He questioned whether King Naraesuan had really won the 1593 battle by defeating a Burmese prince in solo combat mounted on a war elephant. The story is one of Thailand’s most celebrated historical feats and the date of the combat is marked each year with a military parade on January 18. King Naresuan ruled from 1590 to 1650.
Thailand’s junta has made increasing use of the lèse-majesté law since seizing power in 2014 and the dismissal of the case before prosecution was a rarity.
Sulak gave thanks to King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who succeeded his revered late father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in 2016.
I asked many people for help and no one dared. So I petitioned the king
“I think this case has stopped because of the grace of the king. I asked many people for help and no one dared. So I petitioned the king,” Sulak told reporters at the court.