Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

An Australian scholar residing in southern Thailand has said he was improperly arrested in Bangkok over a defamation charge linked to his criticism of Malaysia, calling it an example of transnational repression. Murray Hunter, 66, was detained at Suvarnabhumi Airport on 30 September while attempting to board a flight to Hong Kong, before being released on bail. His case has drawn attention from human rights groups over cross-border cooperation in targeting critics.

 

Hunter told the Associated Press that the charge, lodged in 2024 by Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), relates to articles he published on his Substack newsletter about Malaysian institutions. He questioned why Thai authorities had jurisdiction, describing the arrest as unjust. The charge carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and a fine of 200,000 baht.

 

According to the charge sheet, the complainant was an unnamed person staying in a Bangkok hotel, though the MCMC said it had filed police reports in both Malaysia and Thailand. The commission stated Hunter had failed to comply with summonses issued during its investigation, but it did not comment on whether it influenced Thai police action. Hunter disputed this, saying one summons was never properly served.

 

Human rights groups, including Malaysia’s Centre for Independent Journalism and PEN Malaysia, have criticised the case, arguing that using Thai authorities to target speech critical of Malaysia undermines constitutional protections for freedom of expression. A July U.N. Human Rights Council report noted a “rise in transnational repression” in Southeast Asia, including claims involving Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. These countries have denied such allegations.

 

Hunter expressed concern that if his case is upheld, other journalists could face similar actions, effectively allowing foreign governments to silence dissent beyond their borders. Thai officials, including the Foreign Ministry, have not yet commented. Hunter is due to appear in court in Bangkok on 17 November.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Australian Murray Hunter claims his arrest in Thailand stems from Malaysian complaints over his writings.

• Rights groups warn the case exemplifies growing cross-border repression in Southeast Asia.

• Hunter faces defamation charges carrying up to two years’ imprisonment and a substantial fine.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-10-05

 

 

 

 

There is no more freedoms to say what you want or think or even show if it makes a bad impression to others. I do not know what this man said to get them to come after him, but Thailand should have stayed out of it unless they were directly involved in their own suit or if there was a Red Notice to arrest, detain and return the man to Malaysia. 

Never heard of him!!!!

Another big mouthed Aussie having to have some attitude adjustment.

 

It will do him good.

Common sense suggests that in ANY Asian country, it's not a good idea to criticise another Asian country. because they all have corrupt governments.

 

Oh!  Of course I don't include the nice governments in Laos, Thailand and Myanmar (the 3 countries in which I operate) in my comments!

Did he claim Malaysia is 1/400th as beautiful as Thailand?

 

Australia's own Jimmy Kimmel.

 

Free speech...but only the 'right' free speech.

None one should het arrested for a news report, anywhere in the world. That's fundamental.

2 hours ago, MalcolmB said:

Another big mouthed Aussie having to have some attitude adjustment.

 

It will do him good.

Bit rich coming from you,peopel that live in glass houses.

3 hours ago, thesetat said:

There is no more freedoms to say what you want or think or even show if it makes a bad impression to others. I do not know what this man said to get them to come after him, but Thailand should have stayed out of it unless they were directly involved in their own suit or if there was a Red Notice to arrest, detain and return the man to Malaysia. 

Minding my own business works for me  -  he will get what he deserves, hopefully deportation is the only punishment he will get, if he is turned over to Malaysia??  I see caning in his future, then hard time in prison, white folks don’t last long in a prison Islamic environment.

1 hour ago, Explorator en Actione said:

Minding my own business works for me  -  he will get what he deserves, hopefully deportation is the only punishment he will get, if he is turned over to Malaysia??  I see caning in his future, then hard time in prison, white folks don’t last long in a prison Islamic environment.

I agree that would be the best outcome - deported back to Australia where 'media' laws permit people to make such negative comments freely.  If he is released, then other non-Citizens of Thailand committing a breach of Malaysia's defamation laws, will claim 'transnational repression' and get to stay in Thailand. Then Thailand will not be able expect other SEAsian countries to enforce their warrants for same reasons.

 

Malaysia followed their Laws - he was tried in absentia and found guilty and an arrest 'warrant' issued. Thailand complied with that warrant/arrest order. IMO if he still has his Passport and can leave, then he should do so and return to Australia where the warrant/arrest order would be ignored. He should not expect to be able to break the Laws of an ASEAN country and be 'immune' in Thailand. 

Without passing judgment on the right and wrong of it all, this serves as a good cautionary tale that defamation can result in a prison sentence in Thailand and apparently Malaysia.

 

You're not in Kansas anymore.

 

 

It's best to keep your mouth shut anywhere, these days a post in the UK about immigrants can get you a prison sentence, we live in an era of repression, led it would seem by Fascism in America.

On 10/5/2025 at 4:47 AM, Georgealbert said:

An Australian scholar residing in southern Thailand has said he was improperly arrested in Bangkok over a defamation charge linked to his criticism of Malaysia, calling it an example of transnational repression. Murray Hunter, 66, was detained at Suvarnabhumi Airport on 30 September while attempting to board a flight to Hong Kong, before being released on bail. His case has drawn attention from human rights groups over cross-border cooperation in targeting critics.

While I believe in free speech it's best not to upset some countries who believe in the opposite, especially when travelling through some of them.

And in other news: A Malaysian academic has sparked a heated debate online by claiming Malaysia’s natural landscapes are “400 times more beautiful” than Thailand’s. (

)
Can't make this stuff up. I hope the Thai authorities won't stand by idly and let this upstart Malaysian academic besmirch their fine shores! 🙂 
 

On 10/5/2025 at 11:54 AM, thesetat said:

There is no more freedoms to say what you want or think or even show if it makes a bad impression to others. I do not know what this man said to get them to come after him, but Thailand should have stayed out of it unless they were directly involved in their own suit or if there was a Red Notice to arrest, detain and return the man to Malaysia. 

It's a shame Thailand allows murderers of police to blithely wander the world until the last of the charges against him are dismissed but happitly arrests foreigners on its soil who have committed no crime in the country. It's the sort of act that unfortunately is becoming an expectation of this corrupt, incompetent government.

On 10/5/2025 at 12:09 PM, MalcolmB said:

Another big mouthed Aussie having to have some attitude adjustment.

 

It will do him good.

What sort of person are you?! Are you Russian?

On 10/5/2025 at 7:54 AM, thesetat said:

There is no more freedoms to say what you want or think or even show if it makes a bad impression to others. I do not know what this man said to get them to come after him, but Thailand should have stayed out of it unless they were directly involved in their own suit or if there was a Red Notice to arrest, detain and return the man to Malaysia. 

The article says he was arrested for failing to act on Thai summonses. 
If you fail to comply with the law of your country of residence, then you're on a sticky wicket, and I don’t think any country would rip up a warrant after a no show, but they might have done if he had attended

On 10/5/2025 at 11:09 AM, MalcolmB said:

Another big mouthed Aussie having to have some attitude adjustment.

 

It will do him good.

I agree just like the Australian bloke that was protesting about the Thai  / cambodia conflict a few weeks ago .Expats have got to realise that they are only a guest when in a foreign country and should keep their heads down and mouth shut and keep out of local affairs as it's none of their business.

On 10/5/2025 at 8:25 AM, simon43 said:

Common sense suggests that in ANY Asian country, it's not a good idea to criticise another Asian country. because they all have corrupt governments.

 

Oh!  Of course I don't include the nice governments in Laos, Thailand and Myanmar (the 3 countries in which I operate) in my comments!

Yes, plus if you do criticize any country or anyone, try and do it anonymously!

On 10/5/2025 at 8:09 AM, MalcolmB said:

Another big mouthed Aussie having to have some attitude adjustment.

 

It will do him good.

When do you get your adjustment 

Flame post removed 

 

@Grumpy one

 

 

9. You will not post disruptive or inflammatory messages. You will respect other members and post in a civil manner. Personal attacks, insults or hate speech posted on the forum or sent by private message are not allowed.

On 10/5/2025 at 11:54 AM, thesetat said:

There is no more freedoms to say what you want or think or even show if it makes a bad impression to others. I do not know what this man said to get them to come after him, but Thailand should have stayed out of it unless they were directly involved in their own suit or if there was a Red Notice to arrest, detain and return the man to Malaysia. 

But they needed the cash lol

2 hours ago, Spock said:

What sort of person are you?! Are you Russian?

No Russians even have more sense 

1 hour ago, wavodavo said:

I agree just like the Australian bloke that was protesting about the Thai  / cambodia conflict a few weeks ago .Expats have got to realise that they are only a guest when in a foreign country and should keep their heads down and mouth shut and keep out of local affairs as it's none of their business.

He is a journalist not a tourist. His life is about investigating and commenting on affairs. Commenting on Malaysian affairs while in Thailand is also hardly commenting on local affairs. 

20 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

I agree that would be the best outcome - deported back to Australia where 'media' laws permit people to make such negative comments freely.  If he is released, then other non-Citizens of Thailand committing a breach of Malaysia's defamation laws, will claim 'transnational repression' and get to stay in Thailand. Then Thailand will not be able expect other SEAsian countries to enforce their warrants for same reasons.

 

Malaysia followed their Laws - he was tried in absentia and found guilty and an arrest 'warrant' issued. Thailand complied with that warrant/arrest order. IMO if he still has his Passport and can leave, then he should do so and return to Australia where the warrant/arrest order would be ignored. He should not expect to be able to break the Laws of an ASEAN country and be 'immune' in Thailand. 

Graham Linehan was arrested in UK by 6 armed coppers, as he got off a plane at Heathrow, for a jokey comment he made in the US. 30 people a day are being arrested in the UK for online comments, sometimes just likes or retweets. This guy's own country of Australia will shortly be going down that road I'm sure if their PM has his way.

On 10/5/2025 at 1:22 PM, Will B Good said:

 

Australia's own Jimmy Kimmel.

 

Free speech...but only the 'right' free speech.

This guy might actually be funny

4 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

This guy might actually be funny

 

 

Stop it...you're killing me.

Just now, Will B Good said:

 

 

Stop it...you're killing me.

US TV hosts are so lame.

Just now, Harrisfan said:

US TV hosts are so lame.

 

I find some of the stuff 'clever', but nowhere near funny.

 

Now King of Queens.....that's funny.