Newspaper, Internet Site Gagged By Thaksin

[Camelot]

Absolutely correct, Lomatopo. As a local journalist I could not have put it more astutely myself.

Sometimes reporters do let their feelings spill over into a news story if it concerns something truly outrageous. It then becomes the sub-editor's job to remove this editorialising and limit the report to the who, what, why, where and when. Sometimes there's a bit too much of the 'who' but that's a reflection of the society we live in.

[johnnyk]

This is what happened when you put CEOs or self-made billionaires at the top. Never trust businessmen to run a country effectively. They just can't. Politics and company politics are two different things.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Business is easy compared to politics.

Biz has one objective: make money for the shareholders, nothing else matters.

Politics has a whole lot of different shareholders and objectives.

Toxin sees Thailand as a business of which he and his pals are the only shareholders.

[richard10365]

I'm not that concerned enough with the subject to spend a lot of time searching for examples of opinionated reporters; however, the first newspaper that comes to mind is The Nation newspaper.

If you like the Thai media then thats up to you. In my opinion, they are opinionated.

They have a job to do like everyone else and I wish them the best of luck. I still they they are opinionated.

[TAWP]

richard10365>> That has to be the worst reason for censorship I have ever seen. Since all newspapers all over the world are slanted some way...

[richard10365]

richard10365>> That has to be the worst reason for censorship I have ever seen. Since all newspapers all over the world are slanted some way...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why is it bad? Newspapers have a responsibility to report facts and not fiction. Opinions are not always facts.

A newspaper who writes its stories in such a way as to cause public discent and sway the public towards its own personal agenda with stories based on opinion and not fact should be censored.

Also, I don't read newspapers all over the world. I'm glad you have had the time to do that. You must be read up on just about every topic known to man.

[ilyushin]

This will probably lead into a massive demonstration. Not just this but the continued BS they are dishing out!

[TAWP]

richard10365>> That has to be the worst reason for censorship I have ever seen. Since all newspapers all over the world are slanted some way...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why is it bad? Newspapers have a responsibility to report facts and not fiction. Opinions are not always facts.

A newspaper who writes its stories in such a way as to cause public discent and sway the public towards its own personal agenda with stories based on opinion and not fact should be censored.

Also, I don't read newspapers all over the world. I'm glad you have had the time to do that. You must be read up on just about every topic known to man.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Reading comprehension isn't your strong point?

To make it easy for you: Please supply a list of newspapers that have no slant on their reporting. (In any direction.)

[richard10365]

richard10365>> That has to be the worst reason for censorship I have ever seen. Since all newspapers all over the world are slanted some way...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why is it bad? Newspapers have a responsibility to report facts and not fiction. Opinions are not always facts.

A newspaper who writes its stories in such a way as to cause public discent and sway the public towards its own personal agenda with stories based on opinion and not fact should be censored.

Also, I don't read newspapers all over the world. I'm glad you have had the time to do that. You must be read up on just about every topic known to man.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Reading comprehension isn't your strong point?

To make it easy for you: Please supply a list of newspapers that have no slant on their reporting. (In any direction.)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If thats your argument then my reply is all newspapers need to be censured.

[johnnyk]

This will probably lead into a massive demonstration.  Not just this but the continued BS they are dishing out!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah, could be Sondhi is looking to force Toxin's hand and get pix around the world of Toxingoons beating up people.

Something is happening here and we don't know what it is, do we Mr. Jones?....

[ASIC]

Anyone know where and when the next Sodhi Limthongkul meeting takes place?

[lomatopo]

I'm not that concerned enough with the subject to spend a lot of time searching for examples of opinionated reporters; however, the first newspaper that comes to mind is The Nation newspaper.

If you like the Thai media then thats up to you. In my opinion, they are opinionated.

They have a job to do like everyone else and I wish them the best of luck. I still they they are opinionated.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

OK, fair enough. You seemed concerned enough when you made your original post on this thread, so I figured you could remember or paraphrase at least one example of an opinionated news story in The Nation? I am not saying there aren’t any, I am just interested in understanding your viewpoint.

I neither said I “like” or “dislike” the Thai media. What English language local press I routinely read (Bangkok Post), or watch on TV (Ch. 11 at night) appears anything but opinionated or slanted in any way.

If thats your argument then my reply is all newspapers need to be censured.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Do you mean “censured” or “censored”? They are of course vastly different.

[Flysiam]

This will probably lead into a massive demonstration.  Not just this but the continued BS they are dishing out!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Could be...and if it does happen remember to stay away or you may find yourself gunned down. It has happened before in the not too distant past.

[Jai Dee]

OPPOSITION LEADER SAYS HIS PARTY HAS NEVER THOUGHT OF OVERTHROWING GOVERNMENT

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) said that the Democrat Party has never thought of resorting to founder of Manager Newspaper Sonthi Limthongkul (สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล ) as a means to discredit the government. Mr Abhisit was referring to a quote mentioned by Thai Rak Thai party spokesman Sitha Thiwaree ( ศิธา ทิวารี) that the Democrat was collaborating with Mr Sonthi in discrediting the Thai government.

Mr. Abhisit added that his party did not forward the permission document of using the C130 Royal Thai Air Force aircraft to Mr. Sonthi, however the point is about the fact of the matter not the document, says the Democrat party Leader.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 November 2005

[Jai Dee]

SUPREME COMMANDER'S COMMENTS REGARDING MR. SONDHI'S ACTION IS NOT INTENDED TO THREATEN THE MEDIA OR DEFEND THE GOVERNMENT

Spokesperson of the Supreme Commander Office Lieutenant-general Palangkul Klaharn (พลางกูร กล้าหาญ) said that the Supreme Commander’s comment on Media tycoon Sondhi Limtongkul’s (สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล) verbal attacks against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat (ทักษิณ ชินวัตร) was not intended to threaten the media or defend the government. Lieutenant-general Palangkul said that Supreme Commander General Ruengroj Mahasaranon (เรืองโรจน์ มหาศรานนท์ ) commented on Mr. Sondhi’s reference to the Monarchy in his verbal attacks against the premier as inappropriate and demanded Mr. Sondhi stop his action.

The Supreme Commander Office’s spokesperson said that General Ruengroj’s comments were not aimed at frightening the media or defending the government, but for appropriateness as the Royal Family should not be used as references in Mr. Sondhi’s conflicts with the government. As for reports that the soldiers may act if the Royal family continues to be mentioned in this dispute, Lieutenant-general Palangkul said that the action means organizing a gathering to demonstrate national unity.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 November 2005

[Jai Dee]

SURANAND: MR. SONDHI MUST FOLLOW LEGAL FRAMEWORK WHEN CRITICIZING THE GOVERNMENT

Minister attached to Prime Minister’s office Suranan Vejjajiva (สุรนันท์ เวชชาชีวะ) has demanded that government critic Sondhi Limthongkul (สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล) criticizes the government within the legal framework, adding that he should not refer to the Monarchy in his verbal attacks against the Prime Minister. Mr. Suranand, as an executive of the Thai Rak Thai party, said that Mr. Sondhi can criticize the government but his criticisms must remain within the legal framework. He said that Mr. Sondhi must not refer to the Monarchy in his comments, as the government never intends to violate or upset the Royal family.

Mr. Suranand said that Mr. Sondhi must verify every matter before making his comments, as they can confuse the people. He said that Mr. Sondhi can push for policy changes or drive the government out of office, if he follows the rule of law. He asked Mr. Sondhi not to cause rifts within the nation.

Mr. Suranand reiterated that the government’s merit-making ceremony at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha was conducted according to traditions, adding that the government had conducted thorough studies on the ceremonies and received affirmation from the Royal Household Bureau and the Office of His Majesty the King’s secretariat that the ceremonies could be carried out.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 November 2005

[kenk3z]

Apparently ASTV1 abruptly got cut off on IntelSat5 a few minutes ago and was replaced by the "Thailand Outlook Channel". TOC is mainly tourist propaganda in English.

I've seen TOC on the Thai Asia satellite channel before, so at this point we're not sure if it is permanant or not. But the report was that ASTV1 news was talking and giving news reports when the channel abruptly changed.

I guess they're going to have to smuggle video tapes out of the country now.

kenk3z

[kenk3z]

Now my wife reports ASTV1 is back on. Apparently the TOC is also known as "ASTV2". She called into some phone number she has for ASTV and told them about the abrupt change, and they had no knowledge of it. About an hour later the satellite channel jumped back to ASTV1.

Probably normal. But she's worried about losing her ASTV1 sat TV and manager.co.th website.

kenk3z

[Jai Dee]

GEN PANLOP: STATE OFFICIALS SHOULD BE MORE CAREFUL IN RESPONDING TO MR. SONDHI'S COMMENTS

The Deputy Director of Internal Security Office, General PANLOP PINMANEE (พัลลภ ปิ่นมณี), has warned state officials to be more careful in their comments to Mr. SONTHI LIMTHONGKUL’s criticisms towards the government.

Gen. PANLOP said that the officials should let the matter proceed along legal process. He said that the officials should be more aware that their responses are not viewed as a threat against the media tycoon. He said that if the matter gets out of hand, the confrontation could exacerbate this national issue.

Gen. PANLOP said that all sides should cooperate together to solve problems through peaceful means. He said this cooperation will be a way to display true loyalty to the Royal family.

The General also said he had discussed with high ranking officials in the army, and notified them to be more cautious in expressing their opinions on this issue.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 November 2005

[Jai Dee]

PM EXPRESSED HIS WILLINGNESS TO MEET LUANGTA MAHABUA, IF SCHEDULE PERMITS

Prime Minister Thaskin Shinnnawat expressed his willingness to meet Luang Ta Mahabua (หลวงตามหาบัว) at Pa Ban Tad (ป่าบ้านตาด) temple, only if time permits. Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee (นายแพทย์สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี), government spokesperson, commented on the invitation extended by Luang ta Mahabua to the prime minister and Manager Daily founder Sondhi Limtongkul (สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล) for a meeting.

He said that the premier thanked the revered abbot for his invitation. He said the premier is not certain whether he could meet the monk on November 24, due to tight schedule. However, the government spokesperson said that Prime Minister Thaksin will definitely pay a visit to Luangta Mahabua.

As for suggestion that the government allowed Thailand Weekly program to be aired, the government spokesperson said that the government has not taken this matter into consideration yet, but is open to suggestions. He added that the premier understood that the problems occurred because officials were just performing their duties. He added that the government may need to clarify this issue, adding that those who come out to air their opinion should be more careful about their comments.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 November 2005

[Plus]

There are two sides to this story - one is the personal conflict between the PM and Sondhi, and the other is what Sondhi has to say. Some people deliberately try to shift the focus to the personal issues while general public are interested in C130 flights, tobacco factories and the like. I learned more from reports about Sondhi show than from generic news outlets like BP or The Nation.

[Jai Dee]

THE SECRETARIAT OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SUGGESTS PM TO WITHDRAW THE LAWSUITS AGAINST MR. SONTHI

The Secretariat of the House of Representatives, Mr. SERI SUWANPANON (เสรี สุวรรณภานนท์), suggested Prime Minister THAKSIN SHINAWATRA to withdraw the lawsuit against Mr. SONTHI LIMTHONGKUL (สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล), the founder of Manager Newspaper, in order to prevent the conflict flaring into violence.

The Secretariat of the House of Representatives commented that the conflict is a personal matter. However, he said foreign countries may view that the Thai premier misuses his authority. The issue may become a national issue as a number of people are also supporting Mr. SONTHI.

Mr. SERI viewed that the Prime Minister should listen to the public and answer the queries. Moreover, Dr. THAKSIN should give media a chance to criticize the government’s performance. At the same time, the government can use state media to clarify the facts.

Meanwhile, LUANGTA MAHA BUA (หลวงตามหาบัว) has invited the Prime Minister and the media tycoon to discuss and resolve their differences at his temple.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 November 2005

[Jai Dee]

OPPOSITION WHIP SAYS PM SHOULD GIVE MORE IMPORTANCE IN SOLVING THE UNREST RATHER THAN REBUTTING THE MEDIA TYCOON ON THE CANCELLATION OF ‘THAILAND WEEKLY’ TV PROGRAM

The Opposition Whip Chief, Mr. SATHIT WONGNONGTEAY (สาทิตย์ วงษ์หนองเตย), said that the government is giving too much significance towards the television program entitled “Thailand Weekly”, which is hosted by Manager Newspaper founder SONTHI LIMTHONGKUL (สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล). He cited that many government agencies such as the Public Relations Department, the Ministry of Interior, and the Royal Thai Army have been involved in this case.

The Opposition sees that the government should devote more of its time in solving the unrest situation in the three southern border provinces, the poverty problems, and the cost of living in Thailand.

However, Mr. SATHIT stated that the government should file a lawsuit against Mr. SONTHI if his TV program presented false facts.

Moreover, he made a comment on Prime Minister THAKSIN SHINAWATRA, saying that the premier did not give importance in answering the questions at the parliament. He said the Prime Minister only answered six out of 200 gists.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 November 2005

[bulmercke]

Anyone know where and when the next Sodhi Limthongkul meeting takes place?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes....Sondthi is due to speak again this Friday (6.00pm) at Lumpini Park- but I would suggest you get there earlier, as the hall there was packed out last Friday long before this. People were roaming around the park several hours beforehand.

WARNING: I personally believe the government will attempt, in some way, to stamp their authority over this movement this Friday and I think if you're intending to go then you should be extra vigilant and careful.

Quite possibly, the government may decide that the park, itself, is out of bounds for this gathering this Friday - don't be surprised if the gates are locked and there's a heavy security cordon around it....

OR...worse...the government attempts to discredit the movement by engaging "agents de provocateurs".....who will instigate a lot of trouble and blame it on Sondthi's supporters....thence discrediting the movement and scaring supporters away from any further meets...or even worse....some pro-government "aide" might like to lob a hand-grenade or worse.

CAUTION IS ADVISED....this is what dictatorships resort to when the chips are down or look to be going that way!

[lomatopo]

On the English-language news on Ch. 11 tonight one of the hosts mentioned that many expect an arrest warrant will be issued tomorrow in Yasothon for Khun Sondhi Limthongkul on the charge of lesse majeste. They also mentioned that 100,000 people are expected for this Friday's gathering at Lumpini Park.

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin files sixth lawsuit against hosts of talk show

The prime minister yesterday brought another criminal lawsuit against media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul and his co-host of the Muang Thai Rai Sapda (Thailand Weekly) talk show, Sarocha Porn-udomsak. It was the sixth lawsuit filed against the pair by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra since last month. Last week his lawyer brought a civil case against Mr Sondhi, Ms Sarocha and eight co-defendants, accusing them of defamation and demanding they pay one billion baht in damages.

Yesterday's suit says the pair accused the prime minister on the first, third, fourth, fifth, seventh and ninth talk shows of helping his family-owned company acquire mobile phone and Thaicom satellite concessions, and helping shareholders of PTT Plc buy shares of Thai Petrochemical Industry Plc at cheaper than normal prices.

Mr Sondhi, founder of the Manager newspaper and Manager Media Group, and Ms Sarocha talked about the TPI share issue during the ninth and latest talk show at Lumpini park last Friday.

In that show they also accused Mr Thaksin's younger sister, Monthathip Kowitcharoenkul, of having an air force C-130 plane fly her friends to her birthday party in Chiang Mai on Nov 14.

Thana Benjathikul, Mr Thaksin's lawyer, shrugged off the C-130 allegation, saying the air force had already clarified the issue.

But their talk about TPI shares contained false information and was one-sided, the lawyer said. ''He never touched on the government's work and chose to criticise only the prime minister's personal affairs, to defame him,'' he said. The court set March 6 next year for the first hearing.

Meanwhile, Ms Sarocha testified before the Civil Court yesterday in a bid to have it revoke a court order for the 10 defendants to stop disseminating defamatory remarks about Mr Thaksin via the Manager Media Group's website and distribution of VCDs.

She told the court the talk shows were not aimed at attacking the prime minister in particular but focused on controversial social issues which demanded public attention. The ban on distribution of VCD recordings of the talk shows was causing business damage and restricted the public's right to information, she said. Mr Thana argued the shows were aimed at defaming his client rather than giving the public constructive comments. The court will rule on Ms Sarocha's appeal today.

Source: Bangkok Post - Thursday 24 November 2005

[JRinger]

Thaksin files sixth lawsuit against hosts of talk show

The prime minister yesterday brought another criminal lawsuit against media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul and his co-host of the Muang Thai Rai Sapda (Thailand Weekly) talk show, Sarocha Porn-udomsak, etc., etc., etc.,

How bout a live, televised debate between Thaksin and Sondhi Limthongkul ??? should draw a crowd...

Edited November 24, 2005 by JRinger

[thaibebop]

Such an opportunity to lose face and in front of so many people, I don't they have balls.

[Siripon]

Such an opportunity to lose face and in front of so many people, I don't they have balls.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sonthi would do it for sure, Taksin? No way, he's hardly ever answered any questions in Parliament, avoided the Senate , won't debate Aphisit on a one to one, how could he debate Sonthi, he'd lose for sure. He's only happy with his one way radio talk on Saturday mornings.

And now he's shot himself in the foot with his announcement he won't talk to the press until the New Year!

Notice the deafening silence of all the TRT faction leaders in his defence.

Thaksin has many enemies and once they sense he's weakened and vulnerable things could move very fast.

[Sangsom]

Today I read that the request by a police officer to issue a warrant to arrest Sondhi in the case of lese majeste was declined by the provincial court. So in all probability tomorrows big show will go on . . . but what can happen then? About 100.000 people or more are expected to turn up!

[thaibebop]

Today I read that the request by a police officer to issue a warrant to arrest Sondhi in the case of lese majeste was declined by the provincial court. So in all probability tomorrows big show will go on . . . but what can happen then? About 100.000 people or more are expected to turn up!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That might be the spark that will set it off.