Chalerm Swears He Is Not Gagging The Press

[webfact]

Chalerm swears he is not gagging

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung yesterday denied that he was trying to gag the press in relation to reports about his alleged drunkenness during last Friday's parliamentary session.

"I have targeted seven newspapers to enlist them as witnesses against three Democrats for libel," he said.

Chalerm added that the Thai Journalists Association should not construe his move as an attempt to intimidate the press and that he was only trying to protect his reputation. He said the real reason behind him targeting the seven newspapers was to seek a confirmation that the three Democrats had actually defamed him during their press interviews.

"Without media professionals confirming the interviews, the three could just deny making those remarks," he said.

Last week, Chalerm dispatched his lawyers to file a complaint at Samae Dam Police Station, filing a defamation case against seven newspapers and three Democrat MPs - Boonyod Sooktinthai, Rangsima Rodrasamee and Thepthai Senpong.

The Democrats had made the remarks both on and off the House floor about Chalerm being allegedly drunk during the charter debate. The deputy PM had initially singled out four newspapers for spreading libellous remarks and then targeted another three dailies.

The newspapers facing legal action are Thai Rath, Thai Post, Naew Na, Siam Rath, Krungthep Turakij, Kom Chad Luek and ASTV Phujadkarn.

-- The Nation 2012-03-02

[whybother]

Yes ... let's use extortion to get the media to testify against the opposition.

[lannarebirth]

Yes ... let's use extortion to get the media to testify against the opposition.

If his reputation is one who uses intimidation to bully others, these latest moves can certainly be seen as examples of him trying to protect said reputation.

[chinook]

This baboon makes me want to gag....

[DocN]

...and all terrorists in Thailand have been caught! Thailand is safe!

[Pseudolus]

...and all terrorists in Thailand have been caught! Thailand is safe!

If they just locked the doors to the parliament building when it is in session discussing an proposed increase in Politician expense allowances, all of them would be caught and the country would run a lot more smoothly I would guess.

[GentlemanJim]

so now the Newspapers concerned all face significant legal costs to defend court actions, simply because Chalerm wants them to confirm what the Dem MP's actually said. I assume Chalerm will be paying the legal fees of the newspapers as he wants them all to do him a favour.

[yoshiwara]

No doubt about it. As a Thaksin appointed minister Chalerm may soon overtake Purachai as the nastiest but most entertaining clown in town of all time.

Not an easy objective to achieve, but history beckons.

[Ricardo]

"Sticks & Stones may break my bones, but Words can never hurt me"

Or, as it now appears, "Minor Symbolic Acts are fine, Bombs Away, but don't report whatever happens in Parliament" ?

[GentlemanJim]

From now on these newspapers should refuse point blank to print anything at all to do with the PTP MP's and Ministers. See how long they would last if the media refuse to acknowledge their presence. There should be no mention of them at all. The media should boycott any event where these guys, in particular Chalerm will be present. He will soon withdraw his law suits.

[Heimdallr]

The real question is, who is he gagging?

[Pseudolus]

Ahhh the thai press should grow some round ones and start really investigating and exposing these muppets. All of them. History shows if you want real political change, a free and boisterous press is the real winner. Shame they are all owned I guess by the same bunch of HiSo knobs that pay and get the kick backs from these f&^$wits

[animatic]

""I have targeted seven newspapers..."

Righty O. This line says it all.

Even if he says after it is;

"to enlist them as witnesses against three Democrats for libel,"

This is still forcing the press to go to court and talk about their sources,

and THAT dear friends is called intimidating the press.

[americaninbangkok]

It would be REALLY fun if the international press picked up these stories and ran with them. I would like to see some of these politicians bumble their way through an interview with a reporter who doesn't flinch when one of these guys demands, "Do you know who I am ?!"

[MikeOboe57]

This calls for a Thai version of "Spitting Images" They could even use the original quotes.