Cross-Currents – Marching into Different Centuries
By Anil Madan
Thailand took one step forward and one backward. Thailand moved forward into the 21st Century when it became the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex marriage. At about the same time, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra was indicted for defaming the country’s monarchy. He returned to Thailand last year from a self-imposed exile, or perhaps to evade a jail term, on corruption charges. He served his sentence in a hospital and was released on parole in February.
Thailand moved forward into the 21st Century when it became the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex marriage. At about the same time, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra was indicted for defaming the country’s monarchy
Thaksin Shinawatra remains a force in Thai politics as the unofficial power behind the leading party in the government. This upsets the conservative establishment that ousted him from power in 2006. Thailand continues to enforce the doctrine of lèse majesté as it marches back to the 14th Century. Or is it the 12th?
Getting back to Thailand’s march forward, its Senate voted overwhelmingly in favour of the same-sex marriage bill. For those who care to check the tally, out of 152, it was 130 in favour, 4 opposed, and 18 abstaining. Read More… Become a Subscriber
Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 21 June 2024
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