<p>It appears many Bangkokians have already made up their minds about who they want as governor, even though the candidates only got to register on Monday. This is probably because most city residents are more than fully committed to their favourite political party and leaders.</p> <p></p>

<p>The show of strength by some 50 disgruntled Army officers on Friday and again yesterday in front of the yellow-shirt mouthpiece ASTV Manager Daily newspaper, after its condemned Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha as "lousy" over his handling of the Preah Vihear Temple dispute, is another low for freedom of expression in Thailand.</p>

<p>Nearly half a year ago, a group of family members affected by the controversial lese majeste law decided to form The Network of Family Members and Peoples Affected by Article 112.</p>

<p>Well-known Thammasat historian Somsak Jeamteerasakul said he was both surprised and appalled by the decision of police to forward his lese majeste police complaint case to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).</p>

<p>It is both myopic and ironic that the leader of a group of citizens who claim to want to protect the country would begin his campaign by calling for a military coup. That's precisely what Pitak Siam (Protecting Siam) group leader retired General Boonlert Kaewprasit did when he launched the movement some weeks ago.</p>

<p>Hope that the lese majeste law might be amended under the Yingluck Shinawatra government was unceremoniously dashed last week.</p>

<p>Tyranny of various forms can be tackled much more readily when it is easily observed, analysed and opposed. Such tyranny may be a dictator who suppresses political and civil rights, a draconian law which creates a chilling effect and gags the populace, or legal discrimination which deprives people who are gay, lesbian or transgender of equal rights.</p>

<p>There is a group, little known to the general public, whose members must observe rules that include: "Every member must read the newsletter and help sell it to the public. Members must also participate in 'group studies' at least once a month."</p>

<p>The final report from the Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand (TRCT) on what happened in April-May 2010 and the subsequent crackdown that led to 92 deaths and 2,000 injured can, at best, be considered a missed opportunity to establish truth and reconciliation.</p>

<p>Twenty opponents of the lese majeste law held a 112-minute vigil outside the Criminal Court yesterday to condemn the postponement of lese majeste detainee Somyos Prueksakasemsuk's sentencing. The verdict has been postponed to December 19.</p>

<p>After 18 "successful" military coups over the past eight decades, it would be unwise at best to relegate the last one into the dustbin of Thai history.</p>

<p><em>Kanit panel urges groups not to use 'historic' report for political benefit</em><br /><br />The Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand (TRCT) formally released its final report yesterday, in which it blamed both sides for the 2010 crackdown that claimed more than 90 lives and left more than 2,000 injured. Commissioner Somchai Homla-or said the TRCT did not intend to prosecute anyone.</p>