Lese majeste could blow into 'big issue', warns Theerayuth

The debate and confrontation over the merits of the lese majeste law constitute a fundamental conflict between people with two different ideologies - one that requires each side to earnestly recognise the other's view, said noted sociologist Theerayuth Boonme.

"It is not an issue where one side can just say they are loyal while others are not," said Theerayuth, who has not offered political comment for the past two years due to ill health.

Theerayuth said the confrontation is essentially one between the red shirts - who support the amendment drive led by the Nitirat group of law lecturers, who want a more "populist" society - and the yellow shirts and others who adhere to the more traditional belief and "faith" regarding the monarchy institution.

The former Thammasat University lecturer warned that the conflict could go "beyond violence" and become "a very big" issue if not handled properly.

In the end, any solution to the conflict must begin with both sides shedding their bias, said Theerayuth, adding that he doesn't see any immediate solution that would appease both sides in the near future.

"I won't propose a reconciliation. The issue won't resolve itself by talking. We must look at the problem matter-of-factly and shed bias," said Theerayuth, adding that he has points of agreement and disagreement with the Nitirat group, but wouldn't elaborate.

"If we seriously try to study the issue it may provide a vista as to what needs to be done."