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

[chuchok]

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.

Eh?They are trying to censor properganda??

[Jai Dee]

Gen Sonthi insists the government does not strip away freedom of the media

The Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, has insisted that a CNS call on the media to avoid news presentation about the former prime minister, Pol. Lt.-Col. Thaksin Shinawatr, is not a violation of the freedom of the press, but it is intended to maintain peace and order within the country.

General Sonthi, the Army Commander in Chief, made the clarification following his request made earlier to radio and television stations asking them not to present news relating to the outsted prime minister and former politicians under Thaksin's leadership. Gen. Sonthi reaffirmed that the request is not violating the freedom of the press. Besides, the CNS has no right to rid the media of such freedeom which has been stipulated in the Constitution. His intention was simply to promote peace and reconciliation within the country, and to prevent people from confusion in the news they received.

The CNS Chairman stated that it is unlikely that any actions would be taken if the media do not embrace his concern.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 January 2007