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“Internet freedom remained severely restricted in Thailand as prodemocracy activists and journalists faced arrest, surveillance, extralegal harassment, and violent attacks in retaliation for their online content. Internet users continued to be charged with lèse-majesté, with some receiving heavy prison sentences for defaming the monarchy online.”
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“You can’t truly understand another culture until you’ve lived in it.”
— Unknown
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Face to Face with Life’s Challenges: Ole-Jørgen Edna at TEDxBKK
“This is what gives life its meaning and value.”
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Criticize Thai Government
Criticizing the government in Thailand can be risky, especially if it involves the monarchy. Thailand has strict lèse-majesté laws (Article 112 of the Criminal Code), which criminalize any perceived insult, defamation, or threat toward the king, queen, heir-apparent, or regent. Violators can face up to 15 years in prison per offense.
Beyond lèse-majesté, other laws, such as the Computer Crimes Act and sedition laws under Section 116 of the Criminal Code, have been used to prosecute individuals for criticizing the government, military, or judiciary. People, including activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens, have been arrested, fined, or jailed for expressing dissent, particularly online.
While some forms of criticism are tolerated, open and direct opposition, especially regarding the monarchy, can lead to severe legal consequences.
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Chinese court tries Myanmar gang accused of scams, drugs, extortion, murder
“A Chinese court has begun hearing charges against 23 members of a notorious Myanmar-based telecoms fraud gang accused of a range of crimes.”
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Thai Opposition Leader Defends Support for Lese-Majeste Law Change
“Since the 2020-21 protests, the Thai establishment has sought to reinstate the political taboo against any critical discussion of the monarchy. It has wielded Article 112 prosecutions to silence scores of leaders and participants in the 2020-21 protests; at least 274 people faced lese-majeste charges as of September, according to the advocacy group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. It has also pursued anyone advocating the removal or amendment of the lese-majeste law.”
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“We are alarmed at the heavy 50-year prison sentence handed down to Mr. Thirakot, which appears to be in retaliation for his political activism online and offline, and the expression of his opinion about the Thai Monarchy. We are concerned at what appears to be a systematic pattern of harassment and targeting against Mr. Thirakot as a result of him exercising his right to peaceful assembly online and offline and exercising his right to freedom of expression. We are also concerned that a third case against Mr. Thirakot is pending and may carry heavy penalties.”
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Thai ex-PM Thaksin under fire for alleged racist jibe at African women
“Thailand’s former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has come under heavy criticism for delivering a racially tinged speech at a political rally where he allegedly said the country’s women struggle to become supermodels despite looking better than Africans.”
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Social Security claiming tips: Look before you leap.
“Important: Once you claim, your benefit is generally set for life. For married couples, the claiming decision by one spouse can have a dramatic effect on the other’s benefit.”
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“CFPB alleges that, as a result, hundreds of thousands of customers of JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo have lost more than $870 million since Zelle launched seven years ago. Zelle disputes that estimate.”
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Micro Cinema
Micro cinema itself is not inherently illegal. However, there are specific legal considerations you must adhere to when running a micro cinema, particularly around copyright laws and public performance rights.
Legal Aspects to Consider:
1. Public Performance Rights (PPR):
If you screen a film publicly (even to a small group in a micro cinema), you must obtain the rights from the film’s distributor, studio, or copyright holder. This applies to commercial films, independent films, and sometimes even short films.
2. Licensing Fees:
Distributors often charge licensing fees for public screenings, which depend on:
◦ The type of film
◦ Audience size
◦ Whether the event charges admission
3. Non-Profit or Educational Exceptions:
Some films allow free screenings for educational or non-commercial purposes, but you still need permission in writing.
4. Using Creative Commons or Public Domain Films:
To avoid legal issues, you can screen:
◦ Films under Creative Commons licenses (with proper attribution).
◦ Works in the public domain (no copyright restrictions).
◦ Films for which you’ve directly secured rights from the creators.
5. Private Screenings:
If the event is private (e.g., at home with friends), this generally does not require a license because it does not constitute a public performance.
What Makes It Illegal?
Micro cinema becomes illegal if you:
• Show copyrighted films without permission for public audiences.
• Charge admission without acquiring the appropriate rights.
• Fail to pay required licensing fees to the rights holders.
How to Stay Legal:
• Partner with local filmmakers who want exposure.
• Use film licensing services like Swank Motion Pictures or Criterion Pictures for public performance rights.
• Focus on films that are public domain or licensed for free distribution.
• Get written permission directly from independent filmmakers.