Police Won’t Stand for Man Who Won’t Stand For National anthem
In Thailand it is customary to stand while the National anthem is played at the beginning of a motion picture presentation. Few westerners realize that there is actually a law requiring everyone to stand when the anthem is played.
Last September, Mr. Chotisik Onsoong, 27 years of age, remained seated during the anthem when attending a movie. Mr. Nawamin Witthayakul, 40 years of age, who was sitting nearby, demanded that Mr. Chotisak rise for the anthem. When he refused, Mr. Nawamin asked the cinema staff to take action, but they refused. On September 25, five days after the incident, Mr. Nawamin asked police to charge Mr. Chitisik with violating article 112 of the Criminal Code.
Mr. Chitisik was not charged until yesterday. The charge is Les Majeste, or showing disrespect for the king. He was released by police after acknowledging the charges. He insists that sitting down is a harmless activity and he has great respect for the king.
He also claimed that he had the right not to stand because articles 4 and 8 of the constitution allows free choice according to one’s beliefs or religious faith.
The Lese Majeste law is problematic in that it overly vague and is often used to defame innocent persons. Mr. Chotisak called for article 112, which requires standing during the anthem to be revoked. Police Lt. Sophet Changpolngam has stated that police will recommend that Mr. Chotisak be indicted.
National anthem
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