Jonathon Head On Lese Majeste Charges

[esprit]

According to the Bangkok Post this morning Jonathon Head of the BBC has been accused of Lese Majeste. Whilst like many on this forum I have always been highly critical of what must be the most imaginative reporter the BBC has, this could be serious for him.

The best he could hope for is to be pulled out of BKK and sent somewhere safe, say the Ross Ice Shelf, where perhaps he can learn the basics of his trade, like reporting actual events, rather than imaginative ones hallucinated upon from his condo balcony whilst drinking his G & T.

Now if there is really substance to these charges that would truly substantiate the appropriateness of his nickname "Dick"

Edited December 24, 2008 by esprit

[Plus]

Well, a reporter hooked up on a conspiracy theory involving the monarchy.

Facts? What facts has got to do with a conspiracy, it's all government cover up anyway.

Maybe he should just smoke weed instead of getting adrenaline rash by challenging Thai tolerance.

[whatawonderfulday]

Just read that also. Done a search on BBC's website and no mention - guess they have to be careful. mMnd you just may be the excuse BBC are looking for to move Quentin Somerfield into the position and sack Jonathon "Dick" Head as it appears his reporting has been somewhat at odds with the facts from time to time, well at least to those of us who are on the spot here anyway.

[Briggsy]

The complaint was originally filed over 6 months' ago. It was vigorously contested at the time by both the BBC and the reporter himself.

Since then, I have not seen any news of the ongoing (?) police investigation.

Probably just an intimidation attempt.

Probably can't discuss this on this forum.

[quiksilva]

I believe this is his second charge of lese majeste (the offending article was regarding the PAD's protests at the airport), so I can't see him getting off lightly.

His frankly fictional reporting (stating that the PAD took over the control tower for example) has only compounded the problems which Thailand has caused for itself, (edit: and I should add it has also considerably weakened his defense.)

So perhaps its about time the BBC took notice, and sent someone with a bit more common sense here. Although the BEEB will probably stand by their man so we can expect even more biased reporting from them in the future.

Edited December 24, 2008 by quiksilva

[GungaDin]

According to the Bangkok Post this morning Jonathon Head of the BBC has been accused of Lese Majeste. Whilst like many on this forum I have a

Link?

[polecat]

Head is an excellent and hugely respected journalist who has been doing a very tough job. The detractors above will, of course, understand that lese majeste charges have been thrown around like confetti in recent years.

But of course, this is Thaivisa and ritual abuse of journalists is one of the unifying themes.

[Scott]

I've lived/worked in lots of countries and my job usually meant I was in places like Iraq, Bosnia, the Middle East etc. What journalists report and how those 'on the ground' see it is quite different sometimes. That said, most journalists, and this includes Mr. Head, are respectable and as accurate as can be expected.

If you manage to get people p*ssed off, then you must be on to something.

Best of luck to him.

[george]

Sorry guys, but we have been advised to avoid discussions like this one.

Thanks for your understanding.

Thread closed.

George