Those people who acted violently and obscenely against a peaceful Pantamit gathering at Thammasat…were supporters of Thaksin.

Pantamit still advocates peaceful demonstrations within legal guidelines.

For someone who can read Thai, Prof. Ungpakorn failed to point out some “minor” details to the western audience here: Manager was in no way the first media outlet to cover the Chotsak issue.

Although I agree that les majeste needs to be removed from the constitution I find it suspect that this is happening right now in the middle of the Thaksin’s attempt to return to power.

My greatest fear is that sooner or later respected academics like Prof. Ungpakorn who would like to see “free debate” may end up backing people like Chakrapop Penkair who would LOVE to see the end of Prem’s rule and the monarchy.

Believe me if these academics side with Thaksin and Chakrapop—they’ll soon deal with a sakdina more powerful, more absolute and more manipulative than ever.

Good luck to Chotsak’s efforts—but most Thais will not side with him. That’s the reality.

The monarchy manipulates, just as the people, if clever enough can manipulate the monarchy—a majority will choose to be pro-royalist to defeat what they feel is a great evil : Thaksin.

I also hope he is watching his back.