My Apology to the People and King of Thailand

When the controversy over YouTube being banned in Thailand first began, I didn't really know what to think. One thing did come to mind, however; that something just wasn't right. I really had no knowledge of the Thai culture and no idea how important the Thai King truly is to his people.

In fact, all I had to base my reaction to the situation on was my strongly American view that freedom of Speech is one of the most sacred rights a people can have. I personally live by this principle, but I am more than aware that many peoples and nations do not. While I may not agree with it, I recognize it is my duty as a sane and honorable human being to respect these cultural differences.

When I originally made my video, I was trying to approach the issue from what I thought was a fairly light angle - poking fun at the Thai king from an innocent point of view and making a simple, political point. I even included other world leaders in an attempt to show that I had no particular dislike of the Thai King. All along, my intent was purely political in nature - to show that Thailand has some laws that simply do not fit in our modern, freedom loving world - and nothing more.

I never intended to hurt the Thai people. I never intended to personally insult the Thai King. To be entirely honest, I was really quite ignorant as to the history and traditions behind the Thai laws that protect the image of the King. I knew Thailand had a very different culture from the United States - that they had very different values and traditions - but I never realized how important the King was within the Thai culture.

In the days and weeks since I posted my videos, I've grown to realize that my comments and actions could easily be taken in the wrong light - that I have something against the Thai King or even the Thai People. I want to make it entirely clear that this is not true, nor was it ever, and that it was never my intent. Unfortunately, my video got a bit out of hand and really upset a lot of people. I am sorry and I never meant for this to happen. I never meant to offend anyone, to upset anyone, or even create much of a reaction -- I simply wanted to help get a message out. I stand by my message, but I guess I went a little overboard. For that I am sorry.

With this in mind, I'd like to offer my sincerest apologies to all the people of Thailand, to all those of Thai Ancestry, and to all those who love and cherish Thailand and her people. Most of all, I'd like to offer my apologies to His Majesty, the King of Thailand, for defacing his picture and polluting his image.

I am deeply sorry to all whom I may have hurt and I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me.

Thank you.

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