An activist colleague named Chotisak Oonsoong, who I have demonstrated with over human rights issues in Burma and Tibet during the past year, made front page news in the Bangkok Post today. Chotisak was a strong student activist some years ago, he then played an important role in the September 19 Network Against The Coup in 2005. He is currently being tried under the Lese Majeste law because he refused to stand up during the Royal Anthem at the cinema.
The law itself is designed to protect the security of the royal family, "national security" in a sense. Chotisak will be fighting the case based on the grounds that not standing during the anthem is a matter of the freedom of expression and does not in any way undermine the security of the royal family.
Chotisak is incredibly intellegent and a politically engaged young activist. Chotisak is setting a precedence with this case, other young people like him who dare to challenge authority are important figures for the future of democracy in this country. Support Chotisak by signing this petition (scroll down for English) and following his case.
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