ABSTRACT
The next three chapters draw out some larger implications brought about by Thai-based defamation laws and their adjudication. This chapter explores how the defamation principle in Thailand found a powerful expression in evolving anti-communism laws. Prior to the 1960s, the Thai anti-communist law had a strictly “political” focus. But, during the 1960s, when the concept of culture was added, the result became, in part, the emergence of Thainess as part of national ideology. Chapter 11 examines two related movements of Thainess. The first was within Thailand, making its way into Buddhism and even the animal kingdom, where Thai racial characteristics were identified. The second movement took Thainess abroad, where attempts were made to Thai-ify foreign perceptions of Thailand. Chapter 12 looks at the question of truth in news, art, and history and constructs a way of viewing “Thai” truth.
