Press freedom in Thailand

Without commenting on the story coming out of Germany. A Google search yesterday on the topic threw up over 500 answers from papers all around the world, not one of them Thai .The Thai media have just started to report the news, 48 hours later. Now I can't believe all the TV and papers here are that inefficient so it indicates to me the heavy hand of censorship.So much for democracy and a free press .

It was reported on Thai TV news channel 3

There is no doubt censorship exists in Thailand - just look at its ranking on the various press freedom indexes.

It is also clear that (not surprisingly, given the penalties) self-censorship is rife when it comes to reporting about a particular subject.

Hopefully that is an issue that can be addressed by the incoming government - it would be a huge, symbolic step forward for Thailand.

I am always for the underdog, having been oppressed by others for generations, but the question rattling around in my head is, can you have democracy in a kingdom, and free press. I know that in Bhutan, the same rules apply as in Thailand, if one wants to discuss a certain family..I know also that our neighbours in Tonga have faced the same issue, and it is only just now, that his RH of Tonga has been forced to step aside from the governance role, that movement forward is now looking assured..

As for the German thingy, I saw it on ThaiV, or here, yesterday or the day before, and it was very indepth about a certain persons health, mood swings, an affronts to certain foreign powers over the years..

I also read the other day in my local NZ rag, that the Electrol Comm was going to investigate a certain woman, yet I havent seen anything here, or on ThaiV about that..Is that in the Thai press???.sorry Trubrit if I ran of course abit..

Yesterday I removed the article in question shortly after it was posted. At the time there were no reports via the Thai media or websites based in Thailand so I thought there must be a reason they weren't reporting it.

There are no clear guidelines what is and isn't accepted when discussing certain individuals so I decided to remove it to be on the safe side. I don't like to censor what's posted however you can never be too careful with certain subjects IMO, even more so when you are running a registered Thai business within Thailand.

I think you made the right call yesterday Lee, as there was some senstive info in that press release, As we know there has been people recently wheeled off for a stay in the Bangkok Hilton, for saying even small things about you know who..when in Rome......

I liked the article and one that a menber from Sweden had in the other day, but best to work within the guidlelines Lee, for your sake

Hi lee, I agreed with you since a discussion involving the monarchy is extremely sensitive in Thailand. It seems against our conscience of “freedom of speech” but Thailand has lese majeste law we all need to adhere to.

If anyone interested, there are additional reports (not discussions) in TV forum.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/482 ... t-dispute/

Thank you for your understanding. Cheers.

There is no doubt in my mind the censorship is well in Thailand and No doubt in my mind that Lee made a good decision based on the reasons he outlined!

I loved the comments by a certain Minister on his way to Europe. That person should not be in charge of garbage collection.

I thought the more interesting comment was that from the Munich Airport spokesman.

"Hopefully that is an issue that can be addressed by the incoming government"

What new government. The one that is being evicted before it even sets up shop, LOL.

Owership of the disputed property has been determined. Government property, not family owned. "The court viewed those documents as being valid."
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/07/15/377165 ... crown.html

WhoUrDaddy wrote:"Hopefully that is an issue that can be addressed by the incoming government"

What new government. The one that is being evicted before it even sets up shop, LOL.

Do you know something the rest of us don't?

Although one understands the need for removal of anything apertaining to the Thai Royal Family for fear of a negative reaction, in this case the International press have been trumpeting the situation and who the pilot is and why.

Thais may not like their Royal family being talked about but in the International world they are fair game and there is absolutly nothing that the Thai Government can do about that.

One never likes to hear negativity regarding any person no matter their heritage but it does happen , the scaremongering law which is ' lese majeste ' does in fact curtail freedom of speech and is used to prevent honesty and openness in this society.
it is something we have learnt to accept, but not something to which we agree with in any shape or form .

Thailand may and does often complain about the situation both here and internationally, but it is becoming increasingly obvious that they are losing the battle and I feel that in fact openness would benefit this country more, but then that is not likely to happen in my lifetime I am sure.

Khun Paul wrote:Although one understands the need for removal of anything apertaining to the Thai Royal Family for fear of a negative reaction, in this case the International press have been trumpeting the situation and who the pilot is and why.

Thais may not like their Royal family being talked about but in the International world they are fair game and there is absolutly nothing that the Thai Government can do about that.

One never likes to hear negativity regarding any person no matter their heritage but it does happen , the scaremongering law which is ' lese majeste ' does in fact curtail freedom of speech and is used to prevent honesty and openness in this society.
it is something we have learnt to accept, but not something to which we agree with in any shape or form .

Thailand may and does often complain about the situation both here and internationally, but it is becoming increasingly obvious that they are losing the battle and I feel that in fact openness would benefit this country more, but then that is not likely to happen in my lifetime I am sure.

Excellent post KP. I agree totally.