Make matters clear to New Zealand
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Let's hope the Foreign Ministry didn't make a mountain out of a molehill when it asked the New Zealand government to explain the status of Ekaphop Luera.
Also known as Tang Acheewa, he is a Thai accused of committing lese majeste who has posted on Facebook that he’s taking refuge in that country.
People accused of lese majeste have the right to fight their case in court, but most choose to run away. We must accept that the laws of one country cannot be applied in another.
But our government should explain to New Zealand how Mr Ekaphop allegedly committed lese majeste and point out that, if he continues to do so while residing in New Zealand, he will be face prosecution for those acts too when he returns.
As an old Thai saying goes, “Don’t ride an elephant just to catch a grasshopper.”
Vint Chavala
Bangkok
