Media Requested To Heed The CNS’s Announcement No. 10

[Jai Dee]

Gen. Winai requests the media to heed the CNS’s announcement no. 10

The Council for National Security (CNS) has urged all members of the media to report news accurately and constructively as requested for their cooperation in its 10th announcement.

The Defence Permanent Secretary and CNS Secretary-General, General Winai Phattiyakul (วินัย ภัททิยกุล), has sought cooperation from all kinds of media in reporting news by focusing on accuracy, creativity and solidarity in the nation. He has warned them not to fall into a trap of politicians, who are seeking advantages from them, which may create discrimination in the society.

Gen. Winai has reiterated that the CNS will administrate the country only one year, when political reform is proceeding. Therefore, politicians should not view the media as their tools in seeking political benefit.

He finally added that any dishonest politicians would receive fairly judgement. However, political actions and expressions should be presented after the issuance of the new Constitution Law.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 January 2007

[LaoPo]

Gen. Winai requests the media to heed the CNS’s announcement no. 10

The Council for National Security (CNS) has urged all members of the media to report news accurately and constructively as requested for their cooperation in its 10th announcement.

The Defence Permanent Secretary and CNS Secretary-General, General Winai Phattiyakul (วินัย ภัททิยกุล), has sought cooperation from all kinds of media in reporting news by focusing on accuracy, creativity and solidarity in the nation. He has warned them not to fall into a trap of politicians, who are seeking advantages from them, which may create discrimination in the society.

Gen. Winai has reiterated that the CNS will administrate the country only one year, when political reform is proceeding. Therefore, politicians should not view the media as their tools in seeking political benefit.

He finally added that any dishonest politicians would receive fairly judgement. However, political actions and expressions should be presented after the issuance of the new Constitution Law.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 January 2007

Happy it's just a 'request'...

LaoPo

[farang prince]

Gen. Winai requests the media to heed the CNS’s announcement no. 10

The Council for National Security (CNS) has urged all members of the media to report news accurately and constructively as requested for their cooperation in its 10th announcement.

The Defence Permanent Secretary and CNS Secretary-General, General Winai Phattiyakul (วินัย ภัททิยกุล), has sought cooperation from all kinds of media in reporting news by focusing on accuracy, creativity and solidarity in the nation. He has warned them not to fall into a trap of politicians, who are seeking advantages from them, which may create discrimination in the society.

Gen. Winai has reiterated that the CNS will administrate the country only one year, when political reform is proceeding. Therefore, politicians should not view the media as their tools in seeking political benefit.

He finally added that any dishonest politicians would receive fairly judgement. However, political actions and expressions should be presented after the issuance of the new Constitution Law.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 January 2007

Happy it's just a 'request'...

LaoPo

Let's just say it is "strongly recommended."

[BkkPundit]

Reuters has more information on the "request":

"I want to ask every television channel and every radio station not to broadcast messages or statements of the former prime minister and leaders of the past ruling party," General Winai Phattiyakul told a gathering of 100 media representatives.

"If they don't listen, you can kick them out of your station or if you can't use your judgement, I will use mine to help you run your station," Winai said.

I am sure the military would be helpful in running any station.

[LaoPo]

Reuters has more information on the "request":

"I want to ask every television channel and every radio station not to broadcast messages or statements of the former prime minister and leaders of the past ruling party," General Winai Phattiyakul told a gathering of 100 media representatives.

"If they don't listen, you can kick them out of your station or if you can't use your judgement, I will use mine to help you run your station," Winai said.

I am sure the military would be helpful in running any station.

Now if that's not crystal clear.... ?

LaoPo

[dogleg]

Reuters has more information on the "request":

"I want to ask every television channel and every radio station not to broadcast messages or statements of the former prime minister and leaders of the past ruling party," General Winai Phattiyakul told a gathering of 100 media representatives.

"If they don't listen, you can kick them out of your station or if you can't use your judgement, I will use mine to help you run your station," Winai said.

I am sure the military would be helpful in running any station.

Now if that's not crystal clear.... ?

LaoPo

Well thats more like it! Proper Martial Law and about time too!

Dont you dare discuss who the real culprits are for the bombings, say.

This means you..

[konangrit]

CNS: We don't wish to control media

(Bangkokpost.com)

Council for National Security does not mean to control media by asking them to refrain from airing news about deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his cronies, said Anupong Paochinda, assistant army chief and assistant secretary-general of the CNS.

"Only some media outlets tend to be biased. Our intention is to warn them," said Gen Anupong at a television programme of Channel 5 on Thursday. "Don't take it too seriously. CNS never wishes to control media."

Representatives of all television and radio stations were invited to meet with CNS members on Wednesday and were requested to stop airing news about Mr Thaksin and his cronies because some coverages tend to cause public misunderstanding of the CNS.

"We do not ban them from reporting about Mr Thaksin and his cronies, but the media must not cause confusion," said Gen Anupong. "They must do it with judgement."

Continued:

Bangkok Post

I notice that The Nation are ignoring the "request".

Ousted PM criticises junta crackdown 'unfair'

Deposed Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra said Thursday the junta's crackdown on his activities was unfair after the military revoked his diplomatic passport and banned television coverage of him.

The announcements late Wednesday came amid a flurry of orders by the junta that ousted Thaksin in September, including tough new measures to fight a separatist insurgency by Muslims in southern Thailand.

Continued:

The Nation

Edited January 11, 2007 by konangrit

[Jai Dee]

CNS CENSORSHIP

Strong media protest over Thaksin, TRT ban

Broadcast media told to stop airing views of former PM 'to cut confusion', but controversial order spurs wave of criticism

Media professionals and free speech advocates slammed the Council for National Security (CNS) yesterday for ordering the broadcast media to cease airing views defending former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the Thai Rak Thai Party.

CNS secretary-general General Winai Phattiyakul said the directive was needed to help restore national reconciliation.

But critics said such constraints showed a disregard for free speech little different from the regime it replaced.

Winai summoned about 50 editors and media executives to the Army's headquarters yesterday and declared that its tolerance of letting the media exercise its own judgement had reached a limit. If the media continued to ignore the CNS request to present only "constructive" news, the CNS would have to resort to stricter measures to make them conform.

"I would like to urge all the TV and radio stations to stop airing statements of the former prime minister and executives of the former ruling party," Winai said.

"You guys should know that if we allow representatives of the former premier to make statements every day, the public will be confused. Executives of state-owned media should withdraw the programmes [that violate the order]. Why continue to defend people who caused damage to the country?"

Supinya Klangnarong, secretary-general of the Campaign for Popular Media Reform, said media censorship by the CNS only further emphasised that democracy would not come under military rule.

"It's all about stifling any opposition," Supinya said. "The CNS is no different from Thaksin in this regard. Today, it is only messing with broadcast media; there is no guarantee it will not try to control the press tomorrow. It only reinforces that autocratic control, not democracy, is its highest priority."

The Nation's editor, Tulsathit Taptim, who chairs the Thai Journalist Assocaition's subcommittee on press freedom, said: "We Thai journalists all agree with the need for national reconciliation and harmony, but the apparent attempts by the CNS to control the broadcast media, and tendency to resort to tough measures, run counter to the basic principles of democracy.

"The CNS must not violate its own proclaimed intention - to restore real democracy in Thailand. We, in the media, half-heartedly condoned the September 19 coup because we believed in that proclaimed intention. We believed that the CNS had a sincere and noble agenda of building true democracy in Thailand.

"Attempts to censor the broadcast media will only confuse the public. Not least because it was something that took place on a large scale under the Thaksin regime and it was one of the reasons why the Thaksin government was accused - by the public and the CNS itself - of being undemocratic," he said.

The Anti-19 September Coup Network of students and activists issued a statement calling on the CNS to withdraw from politics if it was not ready to be challenged by the media.

"The CNS should know that the media is not a stage for people in power only, it is a space for everybody in society. Controlling media freedom is like suppressing freedom of speech and the public's right to know."

Acting Thai Rak Thai Party spokesman Ekkaporn Rakkwamsuk said the CNS request was an abuse of power and that one-sided reports covering only the CNS were undemocratic and unfair self-praise.

He said the CNS criticism, that government officials were working passively, was meant to cover its own failure and incompetence in running the country after seizing power from the Thaksin government through the September 19 coup.

Uajit Virojtrairatt, director of the Media Monitor Project and a former lecturer in mass media, disagreed with the move.

"They should leave the mass media to use their judgement, otherwise how can it be called freedom of the press?" she asked.

She said she believed the press had enough social responsibility.

Democrat Party spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon also disagreed. He said the media used their judgement to report news and the CNS should not ban their reporting.

Source: The Nation - 11 January 2007

[bkkandrew]

Reuters has more information on the "request":

"I want to ask every television channel and every radio station not to broadcast messages or statements of the former prime minister and leaders of the past ruling party," General Winai Phattiyakul told a gathering of 100 media representatives.

"If they don't listen, you can kick them out of your station or if you can't use your judgement, I will use mine to help you run your station," Winai said.

I am sure the military would be helpful in running any station.

Toxin really has the junta rattled...

[pumpuiman]

This action goes directly against the principles of democracy. These idiots are proving themselves to be just like Thaksin. People wont stand for it. They are going to bully themselves into another coup.

[blaze]

CNS CENSORSHIP

Strong media protest over Thaksin, TRT ban

Broadcast media told to stop airing views of former PM 'to cut confusion', but controversial order spurs wave of criticism

Media professionals and free speech advocates slammed the Council for National Security (CNS) yesterday for ordering the broadcast media to cease airing views defending former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the Thai Rak Thai Party.

CNS secretary-general General Winai Phattiyakul said the directive was needed to help restore national reconciliation.

But critics said such constraints showed a disregard for free speech little different from the regime it replaced.

Winai summoned about 50 editors and media executives to the Army's headquarters yesterday and declared that its tolerance of letting the media exercise its own judgement had reached a limit. If the media continued to ignore the CNS request to present only "constructive" news, the CNS would have to resort to stricter measures to make them conform.

"I would like to urge all the TV and radio stations to stop airing statements of the former prime minister and executives of the former ruling party," Winai said.

"You guys should know that if we allow representatives of the former premier to make statements every day, the public will be confused. Executives of state-owned media should withdraw the programmes [that violate the order]. Why continue to defend people who caused damage to the country?"

Supinya Klangnarong, secretary-general of the Campaign for Popular Media Reform, said media censorship by the CNS only further emphasised that democracy would not come under military rule.

"It's all about stifling any opposition," Supinya said. "The CNS is no different from Thaksin in this regard. Today, it is only messing with broadcast media; there is no guarantee it will not try to control the press tomorrow. It only reinforces that autocratic control, not democracy, is its highest priority."

The Nation's editor, Tulsathit Taptim, who chairs the Thai Journalist Assocaition's subcommittee on press freedom, said: "We Thai journalists all agree with the need for national reconciliation and harmony, but the apparent attempts by the CNS to control the broadcast media, and tendency to resort to tough measures, run counter to the basic principles of democracy.

"The CNS must not violate its own proclaimed intention - to restore real democracy in Thailand. We, in the media, half-heartedly condoned the September 19 coup because we believed in that proclaimed intention. We believed that the CNS had a sincere and noble agenda of building true democracy in Thailand.

"Attempts to censor the broadcast media will only confuse the public. Not least because it was something that took place on a large scale under the Thaksin regime and it was one of the reasons why the Thaksin government was accused - by the public and the CNS itself - of being undemocratic," he said.

The Anti-19 September Coup Network of students and activists issued a statement calling on the CNS to withdraw from politics if it was not ready to be challenged by the media.

"The CNS should know that the media is not a stage for people in power only, it is a space for everybody in society. Controlling media freedom is like suppressing freedom of speech and the public's right to know."

Acting Thai Rak Thai Party spokesman Ekkaporn Rakkwamsuk said the CNS request was an abuse of power and that one-sided reports covering only the CNS were undemocratic and unfair self-praise.

He said the CNS criticism, that government officials were working passively, was meant to cover its own failure and incompetence in running the country after seizing power from the Thaksin government through the September 19 coup.

Uajit Virojtrairatt, director of the Media Monitor Project and a former lecturer in mass media, disagreed with the move.

"They should leave the mass media to use their judgement, otherwise how can it be called freedom of the press?" she asked.

She said she believed the press had enough social responsibility.

Democrat Party spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon also disagreed. He said the media used their judgement to report news and the CNS should not ban their reporting.

Source: The Nation - 11 January 2007

It is amazing- but not surprising- to hear these people complain that the curtailment of free speech is not democratic. Do they have even the remotest idea of the meaning of the term democracy? That NO policy inaugerated by a non-elected government can POSSIBLY be called democratic. Without a mandate granted by the majority and respected by the minority and constrained constitutionally- all policies will be lacking in democratic legitimacy- No matter how appealing or repulsive they are.

Even were the government to grant full freedom of speech and assembly- such a move would NOT be democratic since they do not have a democratic mandate to make ANY policies.

[konangrit]

It is amazing- but not surprising- to hear these people complain that the curtailment of free speech is not democratic. Do they have even the remotest idea of the meaning of the term democracy? That NO policy inaugerated by a non-elected government can POSSIBLY be called democratic. Without a mandate granted by the majority and respected by the minority and constrained constitutionally- all policies will be lacking in democratic legitimacy- No matter how appealing or repulsive they are.

Even were the government to grant full freedom of speech and assembly- such a move would NOT be democratic since they do not have a democratic mandate to make ANY policies.

A little pet hate of mine too.

[pumpuiman]

It is amazing- but not surprising- to hear these people complain that the curtailment of free speech is not democratic. Do they have even the remotest idea of the meaning of the term democracy? That NO policy inaugerated by a non-elected government can POSSIBLY be called democratic. Without a mandate granted by the majority and respected by the minority and constrained constitutionally- all policies will be lacking in democratic legitimacy- No matter how appealing or repulsive they are.

Even were the government to grant full freedom of speech and assembly- such a move would NOT be democratic since they do not have a democratic mandate to make ANY policies.

A little pet hate of mine too.

I agree. But before the (promised) elections it would seem the present people in power would demonstrate policy in line with their intended goal.

I think this regime will be nothing but trouble. There will be blood in the streets with bullsh1t like this going on.

[Plus]

In reality all Thaksin's future plans rest on his last year popularity so he must not let himself to become last year's news.

Publicity's is his only hope, either good or bad. He doesn't make news as such, it's only PR campaign for him. He needs to keep that moron in oversized suit on front pages at any cost. On discussion boards it's called trolling and is not tolerated, and the generals just about had it, too.

The media has been told - do not feed the troll.

[andy1308]

With the internet and global news services, it will be impossible for any government anywhere in the world to totally control what is available in terms of news. AFP (Agence France Presse) have already reported Taksin's reaction to this story - and that news is being reported around the world.

Reporters Sans Frontiers ranked Thailand at 122nd place in terms of press freedom last year - and that was based on events before September 19. In their eyes the likes of Nigeria, Kenya, Venezuela, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Bhutan, Malaysia, Haiti ... I could go on ... all have more press freedom than Thailand. Have a look at: http://www.rsf.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=639

I wonder what will happen if the media, en mass, refuses to heed to these warnings. Either way, it's yet more bad new for Thailand in the eyes of the rest of the world.

[blaze]

With the internet and global news services, it will be impossible for any government anywhere in the world to totally control what is available in terms of news. AFP (Agence France Presse) have already reported Taksin's reaction to this story - and that news is being reported around the world.

Reporters Sans Frontiers ranked Thailand at 122nd place in terms of press freedom last year - and that was based on events before September 19. In their eyes the likes of Nigeria, Kenya, Venezuela, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Bhutan, Malaysia, Haiti ... I could go on ... all have more press freedom than Thailand. Have a look at: http://www.rsf.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=639

I wonder what will happen if the media, en mass, refuses to heed to these warnings. Either way, it's yet more bad new for Thailand in the eyes of the rest of the world.

That would be truly interesting given the way that the media has played the role of cheerleader in this coup. That their only real criticisms until now have been that the coupsters were not more hardline. (Like cheerleaders encouraging the players to hit 'em harder). When the rest of the world- when history- evaluates the role of the fifth estate in the selling of the regime- it will not speak well for the press. Normally, the press- or segments of it are the last bastion of democracy. It hasn't been the case here- but then- the media here doesn't seem to know what democracy is and childishly think it is simply a synonym for 'good governance' or some equally cutesy pap.

I guess that's why I find their shock at being on the receiving end of the regime's 'largesse' pretty funny- in a twisted kind of way.

Edited January 11, 2007 by blaze

[hammered]

With the internet and global news services, it will be impossible for any government anywhere in the world to totally control what is available in terms of news. AFP (Agence France Presse) have already reported Taksin's reaction to this story - and that news is being reported around the world.

Reporters Sans Frontiers ranked Thailand at 122nd place in terms of press freedom last year - and that was based on events before September 19. In their eyes the likes of Nigeria, Kenya, Venezuela, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Bhutan, Malaysia, Haiti ... I could go on ... all have more press freedom than Thailand. Have a look at: http://www.rsf.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=639

I wonder what will happen if the media, en mass, refuses to heed to these warnings. Either way, it's yet more bad new for Thailand in the eyes of the rest of the world.

That would be truly interesting given the way that the media has played the role of cheerleader in this coup. That their only real criticisms until now have been that the coupsters were not more hardline. (Like cheerleaders encouraging the players to hit 'em harder). When the rest of the world- when history- evaluates the role of the fifth estate in the selling of the regime- it will not speak well for the press. Normally, the press- or segments of it are the last bastion of democracy. It hasn't been the case here- but then- the media here doesn't seem to know what democracy is and childishly think it is simply a synonym for 'good governance' or some equally cutesy pap.

I guess that's why I find their shock at being on the receiving end of the regime's 'largesse' pretty funny- in a twisted kind of way.

I am not sure the statement on the press being a bastion of democracy hold true any more. Just take a look at the US lot before Iraq or since for that matter.

The press over here had their heyday during Chuan Two. It has been downhill very rapidly since then. But the interantional role models have also been going downhill since that period too. Although both the current and previous governments have/had little time for press freedom it is also very easy to limit it when the leading lights of democracy or what is seen as democracy these days also have incredibly self censored media or corporate elite controlled media.

[blaze]

With the internet and global news services, it will be impossible for any government anywhere in the world to totally control what is available in terms of news. AFP (Agence France Presse) have already reported Taksin's reaction to this story - and that news is being reported around the world.

Reporters Sans Frontiers ranked Thailand at 122nd place in terms of press freedom last year - and that was based on events before September 19. In their eyes the likes of Nigeria, Kenya, Venezuela, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Bhutan, Malaysia, Haiti ... I could go on ... all have more press freedom than Thailand. Have a look at: http://www.rsf.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=639

I wonder what will happen if the media, en mass, refuses to heed to these warnings. Either way, it's yet more bad new for Thailand in the eyes of the rest of the world.

That would be truly interesting given the way that the media has played the role of cheerleader in this coup. That their only real criticisms until now have been that the coupsters were not more hardline. (Like cheerleaders encouraging the players to hit 'em harder). When the rest of the world- when history- evaluates the role of the fifth estate in the selling of the regime- it will not speak well for the press. Normally, the press- or segments of it are the last bastion of democracy. It hasn't been the case here- but then- the media here doesn't seem to know what democracy is and childishly think it is simply a synonym for 'good governance' or some equally cutesy pap.

I guess that's why I find their shock at being on the receiving end of the regime's 'largesse' pretty funny- in a twisted kind of way.

I am not sure the statement on the press being a bastion of democracy hold true any more. Just take a look at the US lot before Iraq or since for that matter.

The press over here had their heyday during Chuan Two. It has been downhill very rapidly since then. But the interantional role models have also been going downhill since that period too. Although both the current and previous governments have/had little time for press freedom it is also very easy to limit it when the leading lights of democracy or what is seen as democracy these days also have incredibly self censored media or corporate elite controlled media.

Yes you are right Hammered. Although it is still not too difficult to find print media in the west that is not Kowtowing to the corporatist line. And at least they (western journalists) take the role of activist within the context of democracy. They attempt to sway voters and legislators- not to redefine democracy in such a way as to eliminate the need for voters and elected legislators- OK OK- I'm quibbling a bit. Basically, what you say, I agree with.

[kmart]

I am not sure the statement on the press being a bastion of democracy hold true any more. Just take a look at the US lot before Iraq or since for that matter.

The press over here had their heyday during Chuan Two. It has been downhill very rapidly since then. But the interantional role models have also been going downhill since that period too. Although both the current and previous governments have/had little time for press freedom it is also very easy to limit it when the leading lights of democracy or what is seen as democracy these days also have incredibly self censored media or corporate elite controlled media.

I agree. A lot of of the Western media has been co-opted by special interest parties while they were asleep at the wheel, as it were. The US seems to have cowed a large section of its populace with scaremongering tactics to usher in draconian laws and foreign policies that take away its people's hard-fought rights.

The Thai media are guilty of sensationalism and being very Bangkok-centric in their reporting, but there are some very brave people in the Thai media who are not scared of the bullies in charge. I'm very surprised to see Thailand ranking so low in the press freedom tables though????

Edited January 11, 2007 by kmart

[SeanBangkok]

thailand is ranked so low because it is illegal to speak against the royal family, which is very very very very much involved in thai government and thailand.

[Jai Dee]

Gen Sonthi confirms not to gag the media

The Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน), has confirmed that the CNS does not mean to govern the media in reporting news as its earlier request.

Following the CNS’s encouragement for all members of the media to report news accurately and constructively and heed its 10th announcement, especially not to reports about former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s moves, Gen. Sonthi has reasoned that its intention is to boost peace and solidarity in the nation.

He finally reiterated that the request was not meant to harm or influence the media’s liberation in reporting news.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 January 2007

[Mid]

maybe they can get off the base line and approach the net .............................

lately it's the 24hr 'u' turn

[LaoPo]

Gen Sonthi confirms not to gag the media

The Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน), has confirmed that the CNS does not mean to govern the media in reporting news as its earlier request.

Following the CNS’s encouragement for all members of the media to report news accurately and constructively and heed its 10th announcement, especially not to reports about former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s moves, Gen. Sonthi has reasoned that its intention is to boost peace and solidarity in the nation.

He finally reiterated that the request was not meant to harm or influence the media’s liberation in reporting news.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 January 2007

Well, that's good news, for now, but it seems to me that there are two streaming rivers within the CNS...both the opposite direction.

LaoPo

[konangrit]

Well, it seems like the umpteenth U-turn by the current regime. Like Thaksin the current regime seem to talk before they think. Unlike some others I won't criticise them for U-turning when they make mistakes, it's the correct thing to do, and something Thaksin was so guilty of not being able to do, realising his mistakes and rectifying them. It does make them seem rather incompetent, though. They really need to get more savvy advisers who can tell them what the consequences of their announcements will be prior to them making them.

The chief of the military's controlling Council for National Security said today he has no wish to control the media - but refused to back away from a "request" that broadcast media stop reporting activities abroad by deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The military "simply wants the media to cooperate in refraining from airing news on issues deemed to undermine national security," said Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, the army commander and chief of the CNS.

The phrase, "asking for cooperation" carries a clear meaning in itself, and needs no translation at all, he said.

Gen Sonthi now has said the CNS wants to see unity and reconciliation in Thai society, and wants the media to "lend their hands" in order to achieve that goal.

"If the media cooperate, we're okay. If not, we won't get anything from you (the media). That's what it's all about," he noted.

He stressed that the CNS did not intend to curb media freedom since the request for the media's cooperation is based on the voluntary basis. It's up to each of the media to consider whether they will cooperate or not.

"We can't force anyone because our society is democratic," Gen Sonthi said, adding that the interim constitution presently in use already ensures media freedom.

Full story:

Bangkok Post

[konangrit]

thailand is ranked so low because it is illegal to speak against the royal family, which is very very very very much involved in thai government and thailand.

That is certainly a contributing factor, however, those laws have always been in force, but under Thaksin Thailand plunged down the rankings. Your post made me remember a thread I made a couple of years back about this issue. It's an interesting read, and I shall update it with the last 2 years data to see how press freedom has progressed in Thailand since then. The coup was too recent to have been considered in the various organisations most recent annual rankings, it will be interesting to see how they consider press freedom in Thailand to be under the CNS as compared to TRT when this years rankings are released.

Press Freedom In Thailand

[britmaveric]

Request might as mean demand.

[konangrit]

According to Freedom House Thailand's Press Freedom went from 65th place with a score of 29 in 2001 to 107th with a score of 50 in 2006. 0-30 is considered Free, 31-60 Partly Free, and 61-100 Not Free.

2001=29=65th

2002=30=63rd

2003=36=85th

2004=39=88th

2005=42=95th

2006=50=107th

I've updated the old thread with the 2005 and 2006 reports on press freedom in Thailand.

Press Freedom In Thailand

[Plus]

With the internet and global news services, it will be impossible for any government anywhere in the world to totally control what is available in terms of news.

The point is that they don't try to sensor news, they try to sensor propaganda and political advertising aimed at people who don't read news at all.

People who DO read real news had made up their minds about Thaksin long time ago, the junta has nothing to worry about them as they are form the base for their popular support.

[ColPyat]

The point is that they don't try to sensor news, they try to sensor propaganda and political advertising aimed at people who don't read news at all.

People who DO read real news had made up their minds about Thaksin long time ago, the junta has nothing to worry about them as they are form the base for their popular support.

Statements such as this should make you eligible for election in Thailand.

[Tony Clifton]

Reuters has more information on the "request":

"I want to ask every television channel and every radio station not to broadcast messages or statements of the former prime minister and leaders of the past ruling party," General Winai Phattiyakul told a gathering of 100 media representatives.

"If they don't listen, you can kick them out of your station or if you can't use your judgement, I will use mine to help you run your station," Winai said.

I am sure the military would be helpful in running any station.

The Defence Permanent Secretary and CNS Secretary-General, General Winai Phattiyakul (วินัย ภัททิยกุล), has sought cooperation from all kinds of media in reporting news by focusing on accuracy, creativity and solidarity in the nation.

A lot of the crap that finds it's way to the news originates from newspapers with very poor journalism standards, it is then read/ brodcasted on tv and radio. Some newspapers are making headlines with hearsay or are simply sympathizing with the old government.