Thaksin: Where's Press Freedom

[TAWP]

Thanks for proving our point Animatic.

Whilst Thailand had a slight problem with press freedom under Thaksin, it really took off after the coup and during the rigged elections.... As you so rightly highlighted.

Welcome back to the fold

No-one is saying the military are angels of freedom and liberation of the press. And neither does they ever proclaim to be. Unlike Thaksin. Most people expect military coup makers to be oppressive. It is in the name of the game.

But it is really sad how you almost must point fingers at other failures to make yours look less disgusting.

[brahmburgers]

Thaksin got a whole lot of traction from the media. When it aggrandized him and/or played by his songbook, he liked them. It was only when they didn't sing his praises that he came to dislike them.

T would like nothing more than to stand in his pulpit and dictate how things should be for all Thai institutions. When things don't go his way, he quickly devolves to complaining, lawsuits, blaming others and vindictiveness.

His tin megaphone is sounding shriller and more desperate as the weeks roll by. Let's hope it continues to fade to insignificance.

[justanothercybertosser]

Thanks for proving our point Animatic.

Whilst Thailand had a slight problem with press freedom under Thaksin, it really took off after the coup and during the rigged elections.... As you so rightly highlighted.

Welcome back to the fold

No-one is saying the military are angels of freedom and liberation of the press. And neither does they ever proclaim to be. Unlike Thaksin. Most people expect military coup makers to be oppressive. It is in the name of the game.

But it is really sad how you almost must point fingers at other failures to make yours look less disgusting.

Quote TAWP:

While what the government is idiotic, foolish and in clear violation of freedom of press, I cannot help but notice that Thaksin liked the press to be oppressed and bias...when he was in power.

What goes around, eh?

Quote end.

Pot calling kettle black?

Anyhow, i very much doubt that the 2009 position of Thailand will be any better than 2008, and guess that it will be further down again. There are already more than a few reports here:

http://www.rsf.org/en-pays81-Thailand.html

[TAWP]

Thanks for proving our point Animatic.

Whilst Thailand had a slight problem with press freedom under Thaksin, it really took off after the coup and during the rigged elections.... As you so rightly highlighted.

Welcome back to the fold

No-one is saying the military are angels of freedom and liberation of the press. And neither does they ever proclaim to be. Unlike Thaksin. Most people expect military coup makers to be oppressive. It is in the name of the game.

But it is really sad how you almost must point fingers at other failures to make yours look less disgusting.

Quote TAWP:

While what the government is idiotic, foolish and in clear violation of freedom of press, I cannot help but notice that Thaksin liked the press to be oppressed and bias...when he was in power.

What goes around, eh?

Quote end.

Pot calling kettle black?

Anyhow, i very much doubt that the 2009 position of Thailand will be any better than 2008, and guess that it will be further down again. There are already more than a few reports here:

http://www.rsf.org/en-pays81-Thailand.html

Classy dishonesty from 'justanothercybertosser' again, as I neither post here to support the junta nor the democrats.

Remarking that HE cannot be screaming over something HE started, that isn't PROTECTING the past or current regimes.

Got on track.

[Insight]

This thread is useless without pics.

Specifically the one where Thaksin is holding those silly crosses when talking to the press.

[animatic]

It is also pretty inaccurate when I keep getting named as author in a quote of heneryallermans.

I had the post ABOVE that list of press freedom rankings by year.

[steffi]

Thaksin is a fugitive by his own choosing and therefore he doesn't get the same rights are ordinary citizens.

I think it's moronic to expect that a fugitive like Thaksin be given a voice on the national stage.

Thaksin: Where's press freedom?

Writer: BangkokPost.com

Published: 7/09/2009 at 11:13 AM Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has questioned the government's commitment to freedom of the press after it instructed the state-run news agency to hand over his radio interview on Sunday for examination.

The fugitive politician gave the interview on the radio programme 'Exclusive by Chom Phetpradab' which airs on MCOT's FM 100.5, upsetting Deputy Prime Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey, who is in charge of state media.

Thaksin on Monday posted a message on Twitter in response to the government's move.

http://bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/153568...e-press-freedom

[SpoliaOpima]

Only one administration ever pilloried two resident foreign correspondents, that of Pol Lt Col Thaksin Shinawatra. His bulldogs would have revoked the visas of Rodney Tasker and Shawn Crispin and deported both had it not been for the outpouring of support from local and international news organisations. Thaksin's admin received the lowest press freedom marks of any admin since the 1980s.

[RKASA]

The problem of press freedom in Thailand started long before ether Thaksin or the current PM where even born.   To use ether in the cause of free press is to miss the point completely, and not realize the solution has nothing to do with who is PM anyway.  The fact that it seems to have even of mattered to some who was/is PM, is the largest part of the problem with the press.

"I fear the newspapers more than a hundred thousand bayonets."

— Napoleon Bonaparte 

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference, and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers"

You'll not stop abuse and corruption without a totally free press and that is not in the interest of the foxes in your hen house,  any of them.

[David006]

After the events of 1992, there was a real air of optimism for democratic development in the country. Despite the Democrats pretty poor performance during those events and in running the country afterwards, it was to their credit that a reasonably free press began to flourish. In this respect, Thaksin was responsible for a huge step backwards.

The period 1992 to 2000 was the freedom of the media high point. It wasnt just English Language it was everything. Thailand was held up as an example to the rest of Asia back then.

You also had the start of the entrenchment of democracy through Chuan, Banharn, Chavalit and Chuan again. It wasnt the most effective set of governments but they were fairly weak and had to concentrate on there own issues. It was against this backdrop that the media came to be on a high and effectively exposed the excesses of the governments in their turn. Then along came Thaksin who saw how to beat off the disorganised politcla parties and recognised how to work within the new constitution and exploit its loopholes. He also learned the not insignificant role the media had played in bringing down government after government. His operiod was one of control of not just parliament but also media. Then after 14 yerasa the military had their day again and they werent going to let the media back in and it has been pretty much try to control it ever since and to be fair every succesive government has been more extreme than the last one and that trend doesnt look like stopping whoever gets next crack of the whip

All this reminds me of Orwells' "Double Think" and the "Ministry of Truth"..now what do they call it what? Spin doctoring, creative writing?

[brahmburgers]

Only one administration ever pilloried two resident foreign correspondents, that of Pol Lt Col Thaksin Shinawatra. His bulldogs would have revoked the visas of Rodney Tasker and Shawn Crispin and deported both had it not been for the outpouring of support from local and international news organisations. Thaksin's admin received the lowest press freedom marks of any admin since the 1980s.

Below are just a few added things T initiated while PM:

He slapped a gargantuan 'defamation of character' lawsuit on a young female reporter who had done an expose that had too much reality for the Saviour of Issan to stomach.

And T bullied another young reporter and forced him to get fired from the BKK Post, when the guy first broke the story of the flawed airport runways.

T ordered one of the Ministries (Commerce Dept?) to do a clandestine search of newspaper editors who had the annoying habit of printing unflattering items about T during his reign. T was digging for financial irregularities, in order to try and bring down the newspapers, or at least besmirch their editors. Smells like the dirty tricks Nixon authorized in order to try and bring down his critics.

[samran]

Only one administration ever pilloried two resident foreign correspondents, that of Pol Lt Col Thaksin Shinawatra. His bulldogs would have revoked the visas of Rodney Tasker and Shawn Crispin and deported both had it not been for the outpouring of support from local and international news organisations. Thaksin's admin received the lowest press freedom marks of any admin since the 1980s.

Below are just a few added things T initiated while PM:

He slapped a gargantuan 'defamation of character' lawsuit on a young female reporter who had done an expose that had too much reality for the Saviour of Issan to stomach.

And T bullied another young reporter and forced him to get fired from the BKK Post, when the guy first broke the story of the flawed airport runways.

T ordered one of the Ministries (Commerce Dept?) to do a clandestine search of newspaper editors who had the annoying habit of printing unflattering items about T during his reign. T was digging for financial irregularities, in order to try and bring down the newspapers, or at least besmirch their editors. Smells like the dirty tricks Nixon authorized in order to try and bring down his critics.

I remember going past the Thai Journalists Assosciation building in Soi Ari (off Paholyothin) around 2002 or so, seeing it covered top to bottom with Thai Rak Thai signage.

[Plus]

Honest journalist would have asked a lot more probing and challenging questions.

You have rubbished almost every foreign journalist commenting on Thailand, even sometimes to the laughable extent of suggesting they (Times, WSJ, Straits Times, Economist) are directly or indirectly on Thaksin's payroll.I'm just wondering whether any established journalist exists that meets your exacting criteria.

I have specified Foreign because most Thai journalists are not known for probing or challenging (or let's face it even bothering to fact check).

And for chrissake don't come up with Drummond or Crispin.

Thaksin would never agree to an interview with an honest journalist.

Whatever other guys wrote in his praise in WSJ or Economist is irrelevant.

[Siripon]

Honest journalist would have asked a lot more probing and challenging questions.

You have rubbished almost every foreign journalist commenting on Thailand, even sometimes to the laughable extent of suggesting they (Times, WSJ, Straits Times, Economist) are directly or indirectly on Thaksin's payroll.I'm just wondering whether any established journalist exists that meets your exacting criteria.

I have specified Foreign because most Thai journalists are not known for probing or challenging (or let's face it even bothering to fact check).

And for chrissake don't come up with Drummond or Crispin.

Thaksin would never agree to an interview with an honest journalist.

Whatever other guys wrote in his praise in WSJ or Economist is irrelevant.

Chom Phetpradab who interviewed Thaksin on Channel 9's radio station used to work for ITV, once owned by Thaksin. He's known as a Thaksin sympathiser, hence no searching or hard hitting questions. I want to see Sutichai Yoon interview Thaksin but of course Thaksin would never agree.

[hammered]

Honest journalist would have asked a lot more probing and challenging questions.

You have rubbished almost every foreign journalist commenting on Thailand, even sometimes to the laughable extent of suggesting they (Times, WSJ, Straits Times, Economist) are directly or indirectly on Thaksin's payroll.I'm just wondering whether any established journalist exists that meets your exacting criteria.

I have specified Foreign because most Thai journalists are not known for probing or challenging (or let's face it even bothering to fact check).

And for chrissake don't come up with Drummond or Crispin.

Thaksin would never agree to an interview with an honest journalist.

Whatever other guys wrote in his praise in WSJ or Economist is irrelevant.

Chom Phetpradab who interviewed Thaksin on Channel 9's radio station used to work for ITV, once owned by Thaksin. He's known as a Thaksin sympathiser, hence no searching or hard hitting questions. I want to see Sutichai Yoon interview Thaksin but of course Thaksin would never agree.

Didnt a certain revolutionary now in hiding kick start his politcal career with a fawning sycophantic interview with an ex-PM?

[MyphuketLife]

While what the government is idiotic, foolish and in clear violation of freedom of press, I cannot help but notice that Thaksin liked the press to be oppressed and bias...when he was in power.

What goes around, eh?

He did it so its only fare he becomes victim to it. At the same time one would hope that the country would move forward and the press would be free to publish what they want.

[jayboy]

Thaksin would never agree to an interview with an honest journalist.

Whatever other guys wrote in his praise in WSJ or Economist is irrelevant.

To give Plus his credit he's a useful litmus test for what's currently written in the PAD playbook.

The current dogma (for an interesting discusssion have a look at Bangkok Pundit) is that it's a hanging crime" for anyone to interview Thaksin.It goes without saying that any journalist whether Thai or foreign will be accused of innumerable crimes against humanity if he or she dares to interlocute with the Prince Of Darkness.It is of course all complete nonsense and an indication of how the PAD fanatics have lost all judgement in their hysterical demonisation of the former PM.

Now it would be a fair point to say that Thai journalists almost never make challenging or searching interviews whether in relation to Thaksin or anyone else.And by God Thaksin needs to be asked some hard questions.

[hammered]

Thaksin would never agree to an interview with an honest journalist.

Whatever other guys wrote in his praise in WSJ or Economist is irrelevant.

To give Plus his credit he's a useful litmus test for what's currently written in the PAD playbook.

The current dogma (for an interesting discusssion have a look at Bangkok Pundit) is that it's a hanging crime" for anyone to interview Thaksin.It goes without saying that any journalist whether Thai or foreign will be accused of innumerable crimes against humanity if he or she dares to interlocute with the Prince Of Darkness.It is of course all complete nonsense and an indication of how the PAD fanatics have lost all judgement in their hysterical demonisation of the former PM.

Now it would be a fair point to say that Thai journalists almost never make challenging or searching interviews whether in relation to Thaksin or anyone else.And by God Thaksin needs to be asked some hard questions.

Yoon to his credit in an interview with Abhisit pushed him to answer the question of whether Thaksin should go to jail when Abhisit tried to dodge the bullet. That was a better interview than most including this one. Then again whatever people think of Yoon or his poltical opinions he is still a far better journo than virtually anyone in Thailand. By the way Yoon is open with his poltical opinions too which is a good thing. The dude interviewing Thaksin is known to be a sympathiser, so why not admit it. I agree with another comment that a Yoon interview of Thaksin would be good viewing.

Not disagreeing that any of the interviews should have happened or been aired but as always Im more interested in the context.

[stumonster]

that it's a hanging crime" for anyone to interview Thaksin.

so if someone gets hung we will know to take your comments seriously - if not you can just be another poster with hyperbole issues.

[brahmburgers]

Thaksin would never agree to an interview with an honest journalist.

Whatever other guys wrote in his praise in WSJ or Economist is irrelevant.

The current dogma (for an interesting discussion have a look at Bangkok Pundit) is that it's a hanging crime" for anyone to interview Thaksin. It goes without saying that any journalist whether Thai or foreign will be accused of innumerable crimes against humanity if he or she dares to interlocute with the Prince Of Darkness. It is of course all complete nonsense and an indication of how the PAD fanatics have lost all judgement in their hysterical demonisation of the former PM.

Now it would be a fair point to say that Thai journalists almost never make challenging or searching interviews whether in relation to Thaksin or anyone else. And by God Thaksin needs to be asked some hard questions.

Methinks you complicate the issue too much. Thaksin can pick who he gets interviewed by. Obviously, he'd rather be interviewed by a supporter who's going to lob softball questions - probably pre-screened to further ease responses.

One interesting thing about the recent popular movie about Nixon being interviewed by David Frost, was that the Nixon team didn't know Frost and thought he was a lightweight Brit. For the same reasons Nixon, after leaving office in disgrace, didn't want any of America's heavy hitting interviewers near him. Indeed, the first three of the Nixon/Frost interviews were dominated by Nixon and his self-aggrandizement. It wasn't until the final interview, that Frost was able to ask some tough questions.

Similarly, Thaksin wants the spoon-fed approach by an admiring interviewer. Indeed, it wouldn't surprise anyone if T and his people doctored the script after the interview, just like all whitening cream ads have their photos heavily doctored before publishing.

...and certainly, T would make sure questions in any interview were screened beforehand, if not outright scripted by him and his team.

T has a whole lot to hide, and he's not the sharpest pencil in the desk drawer. He'll want everything scripted before allowing it to get published.

[webfact]

MCOT cleared about Thaksin's phone-in: Satit

PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey on Tuesday voiced satisfaction about the way state-run MCOT had resolved problems related

to the broadcast of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's phone-in to one of its radio stations.

"I am satisfied with the way MCOT management is trying to resolve the situation," he said.

Satit reaffirmed the government's policy of non-inteference in the media freedom. He also said he had never banned the interviewing of Thaksin.

But media outlets are obligated to take every precaution not to spread inflammatory remarks or one-sided views designed to cause disturbances, he said.

-- The Nation 2009/08/09

[scorecard]

Yes, Thaksin was too controlling with the media.

But two wrongs don't make a right and this government and the Junta that paved their way to power are far worse, especially with the internet. Far more sinister that just "using the press to their advantage" I'm afraid.

The Press Freedom Index and Transparency Indices are all you need as complete proof of this, but also note the billions spent by the current government on internet and media censorship, the greater freedom of the ISOC to conduct its activities, the use of emergency decrees and martial law against troublesome areas and the rigorous enforcement of antiquated laws against dissidents among many other changes for the worse.

The above is greatest rubbish I have ever read, full on factual inaccuracies.

[geriatrickid]

Thaksin would never agree to an interview with an honest journalist.

Whatever other guys wrote in his praise in WSJ or Economist is irrelevant.

Either substantiate that statement or withdraw it.

On January 15, 2007 Dan Rivers of the Bangkok bureau chief for CNN had an exclusive interview with Mr. Thaksin. The military junta tried to block that broadcast. Mr. Rivers has had additional interviews with Mr. Thaksin. Are you saying that Mr. Rivers is not honest and that his employer is not honest? Do you know who Mr. Rivers is? Look him up including his reputation and multiple awards for integrity and excellence in reporting. This is the reporter that broke the story on the Rohingya refugees that were set adrift by the Thai navy. He has had an exemplary work history right down to his highly praised work when he was imbedded with the Royal Marines (UK) in Iraq. This is the guy that was one of the few reporters that risked his life to report from Myanmar after cyclone Nargis, and you dare to call him dishonest?

Larry Jagan reporting for the Asia Times had an interview with Mr. Thaksin. Mr. Jagan's work in Myanmar when he was at the BBC drew praise and he is considered an expert on SE Asian political reporting, and you dare to call him dishonest?

And on and on it goes. The only thing that is not honest here, is you. Who are you to make a false claim like that and to smear the reputations of several journalists that have sterling reputations? And yes I am calling you out on this. Be a man and take responsibility for your misinformation.

[jayboy]

that it's a hanging crime" for anyone to interview Thaksin.

so if someone gets hung we will know to take your comments seriously - if not you can just be another poster with hyperbole issues.

"Hanging crime" was in inverted commas (sorry, I left one out!), i.e metaphorically speaking but also because a quote from Bangkok Pundit.

[scorecard]

Only one administration ever pilloried two resident foreign correspondents, that of Pol Lt Col Thaksin Shinawatra. His bulldogs would have revoked the visas of Rodney Tasker and Shawn Crispin and deported both had it not been for the outpouring of support from local and international news organisations. Thaksin's admin received the lowest press freedom marks of any admin since the 1980s.

And do you recall the incident when a farang journalist asked T a very relevant question, and Ts response was:

"Idiot scum"

[scorecard]

That's pretty funny.

It was quite clear that the Bangkok Post was nothing more than a vehicle for Thaksin's propaganda when he was in office. Nothing negative toward the government was ever printed, and it was clear that all items in that rag were approved by the PM's office before going to print. However, now that he's out of office he wants the Post to suddenly change what it's been doing from day one - pandering to the PM's office.

Well Mr. Thaky, If you want honesty and transparency in mainstream media, you should have done something about it when you had the chance. Don't scream "foul" when those in the drivers seat are doing the same thing you did - using the press to their advantage.

It was quite clear that the Bangkok Post was nothing more than a vehicle for Thaksin's propaganda when he was in office. Nothing negative toward the government was ever printed, and it was clear that all items in that rag were approved by the PM's office before going to print. However, now that he's out of office he wants the Post to suddenly change what it's been doing from day one - pandering to the PM's office.

[scorecard]

That's pretty funny.

It was quite clear that the Bangkok Post was nothing more than a vehicle for Thaksin's propaganda when he was in office. Nothing negative toward the government was ever printed, and it was clear that all items in that rag were approved by the PM's office before going to print. However, now that he's out of office he wants the Post to suddenly change what it's been doing from day one - pandering to the PM's office.

Well Mr. Thaky, If you want honesty and transparency in mainstream media, you should have done something about it when you had the chance. Don't scream "foul" when those in the drivers seat are doing the same thing you did - using the press to their advantage.

It was quite clear that the Bangkok Post was nothing more than a vehicle for Thaksin's propaganda when he was in office. Nothing negative toward the government was ever printed, and it was clear that all items in that rag were approved by the PM's office before going to print. However, now that he's out of office he wants the Post to suddenly change what it's been doing from day one - pandering to the PM's office.

[jayboy]

Thaksin would never agree to an interview with an honest journalist.

Whatever other guys wrote in his praise in WSJ or Economist is irrelevant.

Either substantiate that statement or withdraw it.

Don't bother.On the subject of journalism (long history of wild and often comically offbeat accusations) Plus isn't to be taken seriously which is a pity because he's interesting on some other subjects

[hammered]

Give us back our Press- Freedom, we enjoyed so much!

-- The Nation May 09, 2005

REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE: The withered state of Thailand's press freedom Published on May 09, 2005

The latest survey conducted by New York-based Freedom House was unyielding. Last week it further downgraded Thailand in terms of the conditions in which the Thai press works from number 88 last year to 95 out of 194 countries examined.

This year Thailand was listed as "partly free" along with Lesotho, Mexico and Nicaragua. During the past four years under the leadership of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the Thai press has fallen into this category every year.

The overall conditions in the Asia-Pacific region, meanwhile, showed a relatively high level of press freedom. Of the 40 Asian nations examined, 18 of them were considered free, seven partly free and fifteen not free. Thailand was ranked 23, down from 20 last year, and below most of the countries in the South Pacific as well as Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, India and the Philippines.

The survey attributed Thailand's decline to the defamation lawsuits that have been filed against editors and publishers.

Freedom House does not have a monopoly on negative assessments of the Thai media. Major free-media and human-rights advocacy groups based in the US and Europe, such as Reporters Without Borders, the International Press Institute, the International Federation of Journalists, Human Rights Watch, the Committee to Protect Journalists, the World Press Freedom Committee and Amnesty International all share similar views and concerns regarding the deterioration of the freedom of expression in Thailand.

Local media organisations have been equally harsh. On the eve of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, the Thai Journalists Association (TJA) issued a strong statement criticising government hypocrisy, particularly the pledge made by Thaksin at the beginning of his second term that he would respect press freedom and democracy.

It must be said over and over again that Thaksin has never made any tangible commitment to promoting, let alone protecting, the freedom of expression in Thailand under his unshakeable leadership. He has, however, made several promises to allow the media to do its job.

The TJA is succinct in assessing that the government has failed to keep its promises and has instead been using every trick in the book to meddle with news reporting. The government has even threatened to pull out advertising and buy up shares in media companies. And then there are the expensive defamation lawsuits. The National Press Council of Thailand has also condemned the defamation laws that make criminals of journalists. These local and foreign evaluations of the Thai media have more or less been based on similar procedures. These groups have all examined the level of individual freedom and the legal, political and economic environments to determine the level of press freedom. And all have agreed that the Thaksin government's interference in the media continues unabated and has already become a norm.

Is it possible for a one-party government that controls all aspects of Thai life to let go of the media so it can monitor and check the government? Thaksin's aides, including PM's Office Minister Suranand Vejjajiva, who oversees the media, have said yes to this question.

The media, they concur, are free to report and analyse whatever they deem necessary. In a similar vein, so goes the conventional wisdom, the government will not shy away from using all available means at its disposal to reward and reprimand the media it sees fit. Self-censorship is not imposed by the government, but comes from the publishers and their teams of reporters.

In his second term, Thaksin has become mellower towards human rights, especially in connection to the killings at Krue Se and Tak Bai. His flexibility and softer approach have been made highly visible through the work of the National Reconciliation Commission.

The prime minister has told the country's attorneys general that Thailand must improve its image as a country that respects human rights. Insiders have said that the prime minister realises that international organisations and Western countries will not forget high-profile violations of human rights, or extrajudicial killings. That helps explain why there has been a renewed effort on the part of the state to follow up on the disappearance of Somchai Neelaphaijit, the Muslim lawyer who disappeared last March.

Having said that, Thaksin has yet to show any appreciation for the role of the media in promoting good governance and democracy, the very values that he said he wants to promote.

It has been accepted all over the world that the media plays a critical role in laying the foundations for developing transparency, accountability, good governance and a respect for human rights. And yet the prime minister has repeatedly failed to create an environment that is conducive to having a free and independent media.

Worst of all, access to information held by the government and other public bodies is increasingly more difficult, and new disclosures have dwindled under Thaksin. The first four years after the access to information law was enacted in 1997 were considered the most open period of the country's proudest democratic moment. Nearly one million Thais learned or experienced the importance of the public right to know.

Like it or not, Thailand's future competitiveness and reputation on the global stage will be directly or indirectly linked to the state of the Thai media.

Kavi Chongkittavorn

The Nation

Wonder who startet the downwards trend?

You can see clearly that the downfall in press freedom started when Thaksin and later his croonies came to power

in 2002 was ranked 65

in 2003 was ranked 82

in 2004 was ranked 59

in 2005 was ranked 107

in 2006 was ranked 122

in 2007 was ranked 135

in 2008 was ranked 124

source

http://www.rsf.org/spip.php?page=rubrique&id_rubrique=2

The figures pre-2000 would be useful as a reference point. Generally the period after 1993 and before 2000 is accepted as the freest time for the Thai media.

It seems rsf dont have figures back then unfortuanately

[stumonster]

that it's a hanging crime" for anyone to interview Thaksin.

so if someone gets hung we will know to take your comments seriously - if not you can just be another poster with hyperbole issues.

"Hanging crime" was in inverted commas (sorry, I left one out!), i.e metaphorically speaking but also because a quote from Bangkok Pundit.

but to interview almost borders on a hanging offence.

I would think most of the problem will come from Sathit - he has been embarrased publicly by this and it looks as if he lacks competence.