Criticism of government allowed, assures spokespeople, as Internet censorship looms large

[webfact]

 

Criticism of the government, as well as calls for faster and more procurements of certain COVID-19 vaccine brands, are allowed, as long as they are based on facts, Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, and Deputy Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek assured the media and the public today (Friday).

 

A government order banning dissemination of fake and distorted news and fearmongering came into force today with a threat of Internet censorship if violations are found.

 

Representatives of six Thai media associations submitted an open letter to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at Government House today, to reiterate their call for the government to lift all restrictions, imposed under the Emergency Decree, on freedom of expression by people and media, with Mr. Anucha receiving the petition and discussing the issue with them.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/criticism-of-government-allowed-assures-spokespeople-as-internet-censorship-looms-large/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-07-31

 

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[it is what it is]

 

those in glass houses...

[tingtong]

Who controls the definition of facts is controls what is  allowed to say...

 

There isn't censoring, as long as one repeats the facts the government define. But dare to use other facts...

 

Is any different than the long standing defamation laws, that also do nothing but censor any opinions not identical to those in power(ful position)?

 

[candide]

I certainly agree with the government that criticism is currently allowed. Who could have any doubt about it! ???? Actually, I would tend to criticise the government for allowing too much criticism! ????

Edited July 30, 2021 by candide

[RichardColeman]

14 minutes ago, webfact said:

to reiterate their call for the government to lift all restrictions, imposed under the Emergency Decree, on freedom of expression by people and media,

Fat chance, that's here till at least the next election

[smedly]

N Korea do stuff like this

[mtls2005]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Criticism of the government, as well as calls for faster and more procurements of certain COVID-19 vaccine brands, are allowed, as long as they are based on facts

 

And who decides that opinions are "based on facts"? 

 

The Royal Thai Police?

 

Constitution du Jour:

 

Section 34. A person shall enjoy the liberty to express opinions, make
speeches, write, print, publicise and express by other means. The restriction of such liberty
shall not be imposed, except by virtue of the provisions of law specifically enacted for the
purpose of maintaining the security of the State, protecting the rights or liberties of other
persons, maintaining public order or good morals, or protecting the health of the people. 

 

 

You have the right, except you don't.

 

Even in their constitution they use more words restricting the right than granting it.

 

 

Classic Thai. 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 30, 2021 by mtls2005

[Thailand]

At least we don't have the same disaster as Myanmar, locked down with guns pointed at the citizens and covid running rampant.

Fortunately it could not happen here, could it?

[DaiHard]

28 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

 

And who decides that opinions are "based on facts"? 

 

The Royal Thai Police?

 

Constitution du Jour:

 

Section 34. A person shall enjoy the liberty to express opinions, make
speeches, write, print, publicise and express by other means. The restriction of such liberty
shall not be imposed, except by virtue of the provisions of law specifically enacted for the
purpose of maintaining the security of the State, protecting the rights or liberties of other
persons, maintaining public order or good morals, or protecting the health of the people. 

 

 

You have the right, except you don't.

 

Even in their constitution they use more words restricting the right than granting it.

 

 

Classic Thai. 

 

 

 

 

 

That is almost word for word identical to the UK human rights act

[djayz]

Is telling the nation on an almost daily basis that millions and millions and millions (must be in the gazillions by now) of vaccinations are being ordered, have been ordered, are going to be ordered considered fake news too? Just asking for a friend. 

[internationalism]

did they already withdraw lese majeste thrown at thanathorn?

no?

"Thanathorn blamed the prime minister for the vaccine rollout.

“Prayuth always uses the monarchy to cover his mistakes and his administrative inefficiency, merely citing his loyalty and vowing to protect the institution,” he said."

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/thai/vaccine-complaint-01212021143928.html

 

[XtraFly]

"as long as they are based on facts"

 

Sounds like they learned few thing from Zuckerburg when it comes to FACT check.

 

your opinion is never a fact until I say so, It's a FACT.

[mikebell]

'The Thai government has outlawed sharing news that “causes public fear”, even if such reports are true, as officials face mounting criticism over their handling of the pandemic.'  From the Guardian this morning. 

Nothing has changed.  The rich and powerful sue to protect their nefarious practices Telling the truth is no defence.

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, Thailand said:

At least we don't have the same disaster as Myanmar, locked down with guns pointed at the citizens and covid running rampant.

Fortunately it could not happen here, could it?

It has been known..

[herfiehandbag]

5 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

Fat chance, that's here till at least the next election

Not least because when that time comes, if the runes are not favourable, it will be useful to postpone the election. And so on, a neat catch 22!

[Kwaibill]

Meanwhile our daughter is out seeking a Covid test to see if she can unmask and be closer to us, in the house.

Forgive me if I am a bit doubtful of government handling and truthfulness in all this.????

[Tarteso]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

freedom of expression by people and media, 

These governors haven’t idea…

I hate they uses the  curtain style Louis XIII in a Saloon with politics without ties sitting in Rococo chairs style. ????

Edited July 31, 2021 by Tarteso

[Almer]

Fact, as reported BANGKOK Reuters today, 

Vax to date

Thailand   5.6 million

Uk             80 million

with similar populations.

Israel now starting its 3rd shot for people over 60.

Fact. You are not going to wave the magic government wand to sort this.

Fact. Inoculation and a  professional thought out plan is your only hope.

 

 

[Mickmouse1]

At least it is out in the open.

In Britain you can bla bla your mouth etc etc but all criticism and complaints or people's demand fall on deaf ears. Successive governments never carried out their published agenda or electors aspirations. 

The same in the USA and the EU.You all think you have democracy and freedom.of speech, huh?

You all get screwed daily by our governments and discreetly corrupt ministers .Not only in Asia Ministers are corrupt. Even during the Iron ladys days the chairman abused his power weeks before election and influnced a judge decision in favour of a friend of mine against all odds. FUA

[Thingamabob]

The grip tightens, not only in Thailand. Govts all over the world are enjoying the control the pandemic gives them.

[csmith]

My new acronym for 2021 is “FUD”

 

Fear, uncertainty, and doubt (often shortened to FUD) is a propaganda tactic used in sales, marketing, public relations, politics, polling and cults. FUD is generally a strategy to influence perception by disseminating negative and dubious or false information and a manifestation of the appeal to fear.

 

[roquefort]

5 hours ago, Mickmouse1 said:

At least it is out in the open.

In Britain you can bla bla your mouth etc etc but all criticism and complaints or people's demand fall on deaf ears. Successive governments never carried out their published agenda or electors aspirations. 

The same in the USA and the EU.You all think you have democracy and freedom.of speech, huh?

You all get screwed daily by our governments and discreetly corrupt ministers .Not only in Asia Ministers are corrupt. Even during the Iron ladys days the chairman abused his power weeks before election and influnced a judge decision in favour of a friend of mine against all odds. FUA

You're right that freedom of speech is an illusion, even in the western "democracies". The definition of hate speech is becoming wider and wider, Facebook and Google decide what is fact and what is not, and just try putting out an alternative opinion to government propaganda on the handling of the pandemic. You'll soon find yourself censored ("de-platformed" in wokespeak).

[zzaa09]

10 hours ago, Thailand said:

At least we don't have the same disaster as Myanmar, locked down with guns pointed at the citizens and covid running rampant.

Fortunately it could not happen here, could it?

Mixing determined incompetency with romanticized militarism and a sprinkling of Thainess.

[daveAustin]

11 hours ago, smedly said:

N Korea do stuff like this

And China. Much of Asia is still sadly not free; going backwards even. GET THEM OUT!!!

[Mickmouse1]

What is the latest news on the Killing of a female presumably French in Phuket by a water fall? True?

[tomacht8]

On 7/31/2021 at 11:29 AM, Mickmouse1 said:

At least it is out in the open.

In Britain you can bla bla your mouth etc etc but all criticism and complaints or people's demand fall on deaf ears. Successive governments never carried out their published agenda or electors aspirations. 

The same in the USA and the EU.You all think you have democracy and freedom.of speech, huh?

You all get screwed daily by our governments and discreetly corrupt ministers .Not only in Asia Ministers are corrupt. Even during the Iron ladys days the chairman abused his power weeks before election and influnced a judge decision in favour of a friend of mine against all odds. FUA

In your point of view, maybe. But in Europe no politician can award public contracts without palamentary control. What was paid for what, with how much tax payers money is publicly available. It is possible for every state purchase to request access to the receipts. In a functioning democracy, parliament is a controlling body for the government. but if the parliament consists only of appointed members of the government, then the building block of the parliamentary control function fails. The rest you can think for yourself, what's wrong in the state.

[jacko45k]

On 7/31/2021 at 3:47 AM, webfact said:

Criticism of the government, as well as calls for faster and more procurements of certain COVID-19 vaccine brands, are allowed, as long as they are based on facts,

Are the number of daily deaths and new infections factual enough?

[Rampant Rabbit]

Yes  criticism allowed, but  just  like the other institution it  will be only good criticism  allowed.

[zhounan]

I think internet surveillance and censorship is about Covid, not political itself.