Thai PM Faces Allegations of Media Freedom Breach

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Springnews

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has found herself under scrutiny following a petition filed by Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a frequent petitioner, accusing her of breaching media freedoms. Mr Ruangkrai has claimed that her recent interactions with the press could result in her removal from office.

 

On Monday, Mr Ruangkrai submitted a formal request to the Election Commission (EC), urging an investigation into Ms Paetongtarn's response to a journalist during a press interaction. He argues that her remarks were not befitting a public officeholder, potentially breaching Section 184 of Thailand's Constitution. If verified, this could lead to the prime minister losing her position as dictated by Section 170.

 

The controversy began during a media engagement at Government House. A particular interaction, featured on the ch3plus.com website, captured the prime minister's dissatisfaction with reporting related to the government's stance on constitutional amendments. This stemmed from a query about disagreements with coalition parties regarding proposed amendments perceived as a policy reversal.

Ms Paetongtarn expressed her preference that such questions be avoided, reiterating that coalition consultations on key issues occur regularly. She also noted that current government priorities were focused on flood relief efforts, pushing amendments to a lower priority.

 

The prime minister further suggested that cohesive governance was in the national interest, cautioning against questions that might incite division. Mr Ruangkrai, however, contends that her responses could be seen as infringing on the media's constitutional rights to report on governmental affairs.

 

This is Mr Ruangkrai's second petition against Ms Paetongtarn, the first being an accusation of ethical misconduct related to appointing advisors with criminal records. The EC's findings will dictate whether the matter escalates to the Constitutional Court for a conclusive ruling, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-10-15

 

 

[Gottfrid]

35 minutes ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has found herself under scrutiny following a petition filed by Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a frequent petitioner, accusing her of breaching media freedoms. Mr Ruangkrai has claimed that her recent interactions with the press could result in her removal from office.

So, in other words he say exactly like every other time he file a petition. The modus operandi resembles a serial killer armed with paper.

[dinsdale]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

On Monday, Mr Ruangkrai submitted a formal request to the Election Commission (EC), urging an investigation into Ms Paetongtarn's response to a journalist during a press interaction. He argues that her remarks were not befitting a public officeholder, potentially breaching Section 184 of Thailand's Constitution. If verified, this could lead to the prime minister losing her position as dictated by Section 170.

 

Edited October 15 by dinsdale

[Aussie999]

If, as he said " infringing on the media's constitutional rights to report on governmental affairs<" is true, and he is a strong supporter of freedom of speak, then why so quiet now, with so many  breaches from the previous "government," there has not been such freedoms, for many years, this guy just does not like a female PM.

[Tropicalevo]

The dinosaurs and their 'nominees' are getting desperate now.

What next - start a petition because she had her hair cut on a Wednesday?

[cnx101]

Don’t worry dad”ll sort it.

[spidermike007]

The prime minister further suggested that cohesive governance was in the national interest, cautioning against questions that might incite division. 

 

In plain speak what she meant to say is I am the daughter of a billionaire, I am very privileged, typically I'm treated as high society, and now that I'm in the public realm I don't appreciate being questioned. All of you need to show a greater sense of fealty, and realize that we have no interest in engaging in and open and frank discussions here. These press conferences are window dressing meant to convince the most naive amongst the population, that Thailand is a functional democracy. 

[bradiston]

4 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

So, in other words he say exactly like every other time he file a petition. The modus operandi resembles a serial killer armed with paper.

Exactly. His profile is that of a stalker. Obsessive and dangerous. I would get a restraining order if I was Ung. Her dad should intervene. His daughter's being harassed by a mentally unstable old man.

[bradiston]

Just now, spidermike007 said:

The prime minister further suggested that cohesive governance was in the national interest, cautioning against questions that might incite division. 

 

In plain speak what she meant to say is I am the daughter of a billionaire, I am very privileged, typically I'm treated as high society, and now that I'm in the public realm I don't appreciate being questioned. All of you need to show a greater sense of fealty, and realize that we have no interest in engaging in and open and frank discussions here. These press conferences are window dressing meant to convince the most naive amongst the population, that Thailand is a functional democracy. 

Get over it spider. No means no!

[bradiston]

1 hour ago, Aussie999 said:

If, as he said " infringing on the media's constitutional rights to report on governmental affairs<" is true, and he is a strong supporter of freedom of speak, then why so quiet now, with so many  breaches from the previous "government," there has not been such freedoms, for many years, this guy just does not like a female PM.

Who does he like?

[bradiston]

2 hours ago, dinsdale said:

 

Well remembered. And many other rudenesses. And what about Moo Wit? Lashing out with a flipper?

[RamblingOn]

2 hours ago, dinsdale said:

 

1984, some are more equal then the others!!

[lordgrinz]

32 minutes ago, bradiston said:

Who does he like?

 

I'm betting not even himself, anybody know if he has brought allegations against himself? 🤪Maybe someone should suggest it?

[bradiston]

Just now, lordgrinz said:

 

I'm betting not even himself, anybody know if he has brought allegations against himself? 🤪Maybe someone should suggest it?

Maybe somebody should petition the courts to have him disbarred.

[hotchilli]

Welcome to the hot seat, where all your actions, words will be scrutinsed...

get used to it.

[scorecard]

55 minutes ago, cnx101 said:

Don’t worry dad”ll sort it.

 

That's if you can get him out of the family swimming pool along with his grand kids. 

[harryviking]

Another removal of a politician!? YEAH, bring it on! Next please!🤣

Edited October 15 by harryviking

[john donson]

time for another dictator ? i mean , elected by the people, i mean, ...

[kingstonkid]

8 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

So, in other words he say exactly like every other time he file a petition. The modus operandi resembles a serial killer armed with paper.

There's a solution stop giving this guy media attention.   I swear most of these nuts just do it to see their name I'm print.

 

These guys are the reason nothing gets done and 112 is such a problem.

[Muhendis]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

The prime minister further suggested that cohesive governance was in the national interest, cautioning against questions that might incite division.

This is totally wrong.

It suggests that the governance should be absolute with no debate to ensure that decisions are both technically and legally correct and therefore acceptable to the electorate.

I think it's about time reporters were allowed to present alternative opinions based on what politicians tell them. 

The PM and the government should be accountable to the country and this cannot happen so long government decisions are kept secret.

[Aussie999]

4 hours ago, bradiston said:

Who does he like?

himself

[Slocum]

All you need is a "Monkey" Petitioner around, you get free peanuts 🥜 spreading around......Who is going to speak for " media wrong" for a change....I think this guy is Sooöô cheap a idiot , who is "paid"  to split every little hair he can find....and all unnecessary narrative cause somebody is taking my boss Lunch away.....just like the low country US yearly big dirty budget....pay all journalist or media to run another country or competitive down...... Probably from his Stupid personality tell you all.....Scum....Dirt......

[bradiston]

27 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

himself

Maybe not. Maybe he's consumed by self loathing. Understandable if you think about it! He's certainly an odd ball. His behaviour has become totally irrational.

[khunjeff]

3 hours ago, kingstonkid said:

There's a solution stop giving this guy media attention.   I swear most of these nuts just do it to see their name I'm print.

 

Yeah, I don't know why they keep reporting on this clown's antics.

[0ffshore360]

11 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

So, in other words he say exactly like every other time he file a petition. The modus operandi resembles a serial killer armed with paper.

But is he wrong?

[Gottfrid]

31 minutes ago, 0ffshore360 said:

But is he wrong?

Probably more right than wrong, but he would do better in fact searching and choosing the battles that he actually have a chance to win. As it is now, he is just grabbing on everything he can, without any foundation or chance.

[khaowong1]

Me thinks Mr. Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, needs to be taken to the train station.  

Edited October 18 by metisdead
Bold font removed.

[spidermike007]

8 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Welcome to the hot seat, where all your actions, words will be scrutinsed...

get used to it.

As the daughter of a billionaire she was likely never questioned in the entire course of her life, she's experienced nothing but coddling and getting her butt kissed 24/7, so this level of scrutiny has to be very new for her, and extremely uncomfortable. And that is a good thing. 

[bradiston]

9 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

As the daughter of a billionaire she was likely never questioned in the entire course of her life, she's experienced nothing but coddling and getting her butt kissed 24/7, so this level of scrutiny has to be very new for her, and extremely uncomfortable. And that is a good thing. 

You really just make this stuff up. Just a string of conjecture and nonsensical conclusions. You obviously hate this woman. Did she tell you to get lost at some earlier time in your life? Childish!

[ChaiyaTH]

20 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

The dinosaurs and their 'nominees' are getting desperate now.

What next - start a petition because she had her hair cut on a Wednesday?

Maybe you live in a bubble but the 'dinosaurs' are on the same team, else she wouldn't even be in power.