Intimidation Of The Press Cannot Be Tolerated: Thai Opinion

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Intimidation of the press cannot be tolerated

By The Nation

Red-shirt harassment of journalists who question the prime minister and government is unacceptable in a supposedly democratic society

The intimidation by red-shirt supporters of a Channel 7 reporter - and the media in general - cannot be tolerated. Thai society must condemn such behaviour because the issue is one of the public interest. Intimidation is against the principle of free expression and the public's access to information.

A group of red-shirt protesters yesterday went to Channel 7 to urge the network to fire a political reporter who posted a sensitive question to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. The red-shirt protesters said they disapproved of a question that the veteran political reporter had asked of the prime minister. In short, these red-shirt protesters are trying to manipulate the information that reporters release to the public. They view whoever raises pressing question of the politicians they support as their opponents.

In fact, the target of this intimidation is not only this particular female reporter. The move is meant to intimidate all reporters who dare raise tough questions against the premier at any point in the future. The intimidation was calculated. Last week, a number of members of the media received a forwarded note showing a picture and giving the name of the Channel 7 reporter in question. The note read: "Remember her face and do something if you see her anywhere."

The reporter said in a complaint filed with police that she had received several threatening phone calls after this message came out.

The reporter had last week asked Premier Yingluck whether she would amend the Constitution in order to allow fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to return to Thailand. Yingluck was reportedly upset by the question and walked away from reporters.

Any sane reporter would have asked the prime minister this same question because the issue has been in the headlines for several weeks. But these red-shirts cannot tolerate real journalism. They have called for Channel 7 to sack this reporter.

The incident is disturbing indeed. First of all, these red shirts seem to think they can use force to suppress dissenting voices. Over the weekend, two university graduates who placed a wreath in front of Parliament to protest at House Speaker Somsak Kiartsuranont's alleged bias in favour of coalition MPs were slapped around by a group of red-shirt supporters. Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai's car was also attacked last Wednesday night as he was leaving Parliament.

These cases must be investigated to the bitter end. Otherwise, these people will ignore the rule of law and will not be hesitant to use force to silence their political opponents again.

Secondly, the intimidation was meant to sabotage freedom of expression in the media. Now that the media has come under scrutiny, journalists should be guaranteed their safety to ensure that they are able to perform their duty in serving the public interest without fear of harassment.

The Channel 7 reporter should in fact be commended for her courage in posing a burning question in spite of the hostile environment created by red shirts camped outside Parliament.

Such harassment affects the work of all reporters. The Broadcast Journalist Association last week issued a declaration calling for a halt to what it called a challenge to press freedom. The Association, as well as other press associations, should join forces to show that they will not tolerate such intimidation. Channel 7 must not succumb to this the red-shirt pressure.

There was hope that with a new election and a new government in place, Thailand would gain some political breathing space. There was a desire to move on. Unfortunately, this behaviour disrupts the effort to bring peace and the rule of law back to our fractured society. Intimidation and assault carried out by political interest groups against people with opposing views obviously continues unabated.

The ruling Pheu Thai Party cannot pretend it can't be bothered with the behaviour of its red-shirt supporters. Prime Minister Yingluck, as the head of the government in a democratic system, has the duty to prevent intimidation of the press. The government cannot deny any responsibility or fail to address this harassment because many red-shirt leaders have assumed important positions in the Yingluck government.

One of Thaksin's mistakes during his premiership was his government's attempt to silence his political opponents, as well as the media that criticised him. Unfortunately, the red shirts are now trying to do the same for his sister.

-- The Nation 2011-08-31

[Who, me ?]

What? There was a petition that circulated a few weeks ago, against dog meat trade, and not one has started yet for this really important matter???

Wow, that says a lot!

This intimidation are only the begining. We all know how reds make their point, and how they act when then don't get what they want. As Whybother would say: yay for red democracy!!!

Edited August 30, 2011 by Who, me ?

[mca]

Intimidation is against the principle of free expression and the public's access to information

How'd that elephant get in the room?

[virtualtraveller]

Well, I guess the Thai press have become thick skinned to the Shinawatra regime, at least Yingluck didn't retort to the reporter 'why are you annoying me with such a question, didn't you get enough sex last night!' - that's the calibre of politician we are dealing with.

When is this crowd going to get used to the fact that if you are a govt with a dodgy background and proxy status you are going to have to field these sorts of questions, and having a vigilante group to 'protect' you is just going to backfire, since the press are a powerful watchdog and if they are personally at the receiving end of intimidation and BS like this, they will rubbish you for it.

[scorecard]

Well, I guess the Thai press have become thick skinned to the Shinawatra regime, at least Yingluck didn't retort to the reporter 'why are you annoying me with such a question, didn't you get enough sex last night!' - that's the calibre of politician we are dealing with.

When is this crowd going to get used to the fact that if you are a govt with a dodgy background and proxy status you are going to have to field these sorts of questions, and having a vigilante group to 'protect' you is just going to backfire, since the press are a powerful watchdog and if they are personally at the receiving end of intimidation and BS like this, they will rubbish you for it.

Well said, plus I wonder how long it will take before we see that the public TV and radio channels are nothing more than spin agencies to make everything about this government look good with no discussion and no criticism. Thaskin did it before, they already know what it looks like / they already have a model to follow again.

[webfact]

related:

Reds rally at Channel 7

[hanuman2543]

Nobody in power and control in Thailand will allow freedom of speech. Too much to hide. That is a sad fact .

[OzMick]

""In order for evil to flourish, all that is required is for good men to do nothing." Edward Burke.

"And for the sycophants to put on their lapel badges." OzMick

[webfact]

related:

Press intimidation suspect summoned on Sept 8

[weary]

Thugs. Yingluck needs to condemn this action strongly or things will get completely out of hand, once more.

[OzMick]

Follow the link to find that the initiator faces 1 month in jail and/or B1000 fine - scary stuff, eh?

More interesting was the mention of the Computer Crimes Act which punishes the sending of false information.

[Cayenne]

Wonder what PM Yingluck will respond to this. Hope she has her cue cards ready for the press briefing later this week hahahaha

[OzMick]

Wouldn't it be a fitting way to rebuff the intimidation by answering the question?

[Skywalker69]

True democracy, red shirt style. They don´t know democracy even if it hit them in the head..

[backtonormal]

True democracy, red shirt style. They don´t know democracy even if it hit them in the head..

No particular relation to skywalkers post but lets not forget under which government Thailand had its media downgraded from "partially free" to "not free' and which government allowed the closure of oppostion radio stations and alternative newsapers just before an election. Smacks of using your position to control the press or as the others call it Intimidation

Edited August 31, 2011 by backtonormal

[Crushdepth]

True democracy, red shirt style. They don´t know democracy even if it hit them in the head..

No particular relation to skywalkers post but lets not forget under which government Thailand had its media downgraded from "partially free" to "not free' and which government allowed the closure of oppostion radio stations and alternative newsapers just before an election. Smacks of using your position to control the press or as the others call it Intimidation

You think Thailand's press freedom is going to improve now?

[tlansford]

Intimidation is against the principle of free expression and the public's access to information

How'd that elephant get in the room?

it arrived with it's trainer, lese majeste

[tlansford]

How short the memories are on TVF : Just before the (expected) announcement of elections, 13 red-shirt stations were raided and closed.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/thailand/8474713/Thai-police-close-down-dissident-radio-stations.html

http://www.hrw.org/news/2011/04/27/thailand-authorities-silence-red-shirt-community-radios

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-13201665

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1105/S00089/thai-officials-close-13-radio-stations-ahead-of-elections.htm

http://asiancorrespondent.com/59423/more-community-radio-stations-shut-down-in-thailand/

But of course, this was not politically motivated. After all, The Nation said so, ... right??

All the justifications that were posted regarding The Nation's take on the situation seems to show that it depends on which side you stand as to whether or not suppression of the press is a good idea.

[whybother]

Intimidation is against the principle of free expression and the public's access to information

How'd that elephant get in the room?

it arrived with it's trainer, lese majeste

... which Chalerm is continuing with is "war room".

[whybother]

How short the memories are on TVF : Just before the (expected) announcement of elections, 13 red-shirt stations were raided and closed.

http://www.telegraph...o-stations.html

http://www.hrw.org/n...ommunity-radios

http://www.bbc.co.uk...acific-13201665

http://www.scoop.co....f-elections.htm

http://asiancorrespo...wn-in-thailand/

But of course, this was not politically motivated. After all, The Nation said so, ... right??

http://www.thaivisa....radio-stations/

All the justifications that were posted regarding The Nation's take on the situation seems to show that it depends on which side you stand as to whether or not suppression of the press is a good idea.

How many of those red shirt radio stations were operating legally?

If 'The Nation' (or any other news - or propaganda source) is not operating legally, then the police should shut it down. It shouldn't be up to a few thugs to intimidate and threaten news sources because they don't agree with what they are saying.

[Asa]

Would we be happy to see a harassment such as this one:

[lannarebirth]

How short the memories are on TVF : Just before the (expected) announcement of elections, 13 red-shirt stations were raided and closed.

http://www.telegraph...o-stations.html

http://www.hrw.org/n...ommunity-radios

http://www.bbc.co.uk...acific-13201665

http://www.scoop.co....f-elections.htm

http://asiancorrespo...wn-in-thailand/

But of course, this was not politically motivated. After all, The Nation said so, ... right??

http://www.thaivisa....radio-stations/

All the justifications that were posted regarding The Nation's take on the situation seems to show that it depends on which side you stand as to whether or not suppression of the press is a good idea.

It is not lawful to incite civil insurrection. Most people know that, |'m surprised you don't.

[rreddin]

Well, I guess the Thai press have become thick skinned to the Shinawatra regime, at least Yingluck didn't retort to the reporter 'why are you annoying me with such a question, didn't you get enough sex last night!' - that's the calibre of politician we are dealing with.

When is this crowd going to get used to the fact that if you are a govt with a dodgy background and proxy status you are going to have to field these sorts of questions, and having a vigilante group to 'protect' you is just going to backfire, since the press are a powerful watchdog and if they are personally at the receiving end of intimidation and BS like this, they will rubbish you for it.

Since when has the press in Thailand been "a powerful watch dog"?

[rreddin]

Well, I guess the Thai press have become thick skinned to the Shinawatra regime, at least Yingluck didn't retort to the reporter 'why are you annoying me with such a question, didn't you get enough sex last night!' - that's the calibre of politician we are dealing with.

When is this crowd going to get used to the fact that if you are a govt with a dodgy background and proxy status you are going to have to field these sorts of questions, and having a vigilante group to 'protect' you is just going to backfire, since the press are a powerful watchdog and if they are personally at the receiving end of intimidation and BS like this, they will rubbish you for it.

Deleted. Sorry folks - a double post.

Edited August 31, 2011 by rreddin

[looping]

Thaksin has invested a LOT of money to engineer this current political situation, and in true style he'll be swift and ruthless in recouping his losses. There are many questions to which Yingluck simply has no answer. The red shirts will certainly help her by intimidating anyone who speaks out against her, and with the police on their side they'll be very effective. I'm just wondering how long it'll be before their talons reach out to TV or if we don't pose a threat (as English speaking non-voters), bitching about the situation amongst ourselves, largely preaching to the converted.

This situation is as worrying as it is predictable

[kerryk]

How short the memories are on TVF : Just before the (expected) announcement of elections, 13 red-shirt stations were raided and closed.

http://www.telegraph...o-stations.html

http://www.hrw.org/n...ommunity-radios

http://www.bbc.co.uk...acific-13201665

http://www.scoop.co....f-elections.htm

http://asiancorrespo...wn-in-thailand/

But of course, this was not politically motivated. After all, The Nation said so, ... right??

http://www.thaivisa....radio-stations/

All the justifications that were posted regarding The Nation's take on the situation seems to show that it depends on which side you stand as to whether or not suppression of the press is a good idea.

How many of those red shirt radio stations were operating legally?

If 'The Nation' (or any other news - or propaganda source) is not operating legally, then the police should shut it down. It shouldn't be up to a few thugs to intimidate and threaten news sources because they don't agree with what they are saying.

You guys ********* and ************* not since ************ but ************* I still don't *************** if and when************.

Time **************** but**************.

A good *************. Note. I starred out any comments that would be in violation of *********** because ***************.

[JohnAllan]

Yingluck is doing no more - or less - than expected. A complete political novice, what party in its right mind - even Pheu Thai - was ever going to hand her any real power. We now have an unelected group pushing its own agenda, and the government is very likely to let it have its way. If things continue down this road, yet another coup - and a popularly supported one - will not be a matter of if, but when,

Edited September 1, 2011 by JohnAllan

[JohnAllan]

True democracy, red shirt style. They don´t know democracy even if it hit them in the head..

No particular relation to skywalkers post but lets not forget under which government Thailand had its media downgraded from "partially free" to "not free' and which government allowed the closure of oppostion radio stations and alternative newsapers just before an election. Smacks of using your position to control the press or as the others call it Intimidation

Legal radio stations? They were propoganda outlets.

It can't be denied that both the Nation and the BP - and no doubt other newspapers - offer and support opposing views, and were in favour of Yingluck's premiership, when it looked as if she might actually prove an asset.

And Thaksin, egotistical and paranoid and already restricting press freedom at the time, would have controlled the media entirely, had he been given the opportunity.

[animatic]

Intimidation of the press from large to small outlets was a S.O.P. hallmark of Thaksins tenure as PM.

Edited September 1, 2011 by animatic

[samran]

How short the memories are on TVF : Just before the (expected) announcement of elections, 13 red-shirt stations were raided and closed.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/thailand/8474713/Thai-police-close-down-dissident-radio-stations.html

http://www.hrw.org/news/2011/04/27/thailand-authorities-silence-red-shirt-community-radios

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-13201665

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1105/S00089/thai-officials-close-13-radio-stations-ahead-of-elections.htm

http://asiancorrespondent.com/59423/more-community-radio-stations-shut-down-in-thailand/

But of course, this was not politically motivated. After all, The Nation said so, ... right??

All the justifications that were posted regarding The Nation's take on the situation seems to show that it depends on which side you stand as to whether or not suppression of the press is a good idea.

A bit rich to talk about short memories. If my memory is short, then you have the memory of a goldfish.

ahem, 2001 to 2006. Dear Leader had a field day with cracking the free press tradition Thailand had grown through the 80's and 90's.

He nearly had it too. All that was missing the time of his demise was an English Language paper called 'The New Light of Siam'.

I think the model he had in mind was the Pyongyang Times