A group of academics pushing for an amendment to the lese majeste law is demanding the Lower House review its decision to not consider their proposal.
The Campaign Committee for the Amendment of Article 112 (CCAA) presented to parliament on May 29 last year a bill that would amend the section of the Criminal Code covering lese majeste offences.
The House decided on Oct 11 the amendment would breach the constitution and refused to accept the bill for debate.
A four-page appeal against that decision will be handed to the House this week, signed by CCAA members Charnvit Kasetsiri, Nidhi Eoseewong, Puangthong Pawakapan, Worachet Pakeerut, Yukti Mukdawijitra and Rawee Siri-issaranand.
Mr Yukti, a Thammasat University assistant professor of anthropology, yesterday said the decision to bar the proposal was based on false information.
He said Article 112 of the Criminal Code, which defines lese majeste offences and punishments, limits freedom of expression and is not consistent with democratic rule.
Punishments for lese majeste offences are also disproportionately harsh, he said. Defendants in lese majeste cases are not eligible for bail and so have difficulty preparing an adequate legal defence.
The more than 30,000 people who signed up to support the bill had the right to be heard, he said.
The amendment would ensure the public's's right to freedom of expression, as provided by Article 45 of the constitution, while still maintaining the position of the monarchy as stipulated in Article 8, Mr Yukti said.
It would also help uphold Article 3(1) regarding the sovereign power of the people, he added.
Mr Rawee said the decision not to consider the amendment may be illegal, as there are laws in place which allow the public to make legislative proposals directly to parliament.
The people who sponsored the law had to be given the right to explain their proposal to the Lower House, he said.