Thais 'must realise' dangers of hate speech

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation

Thailand Development Research Institute president Somkiat Tangkitvanich delivers a lecture

BANGKOK: -- Thais need a better understanding of political hate speech as it diminishes the space for reasonable debate, said Vilasinee Adulyanond, director for campaign and public communication for Thai Health Fund and a former lecturer of communications.

Stopping short of calling for a censorship law, Vilasinee, who spoke at a conference on hate speech yesterday, said there needs to be more public education on the adverse effects of hate speech.

Vilasinee said there is no universal definition of what constitutes hate speech and the line dividing hate speech and do-harm speech is blurred. However, she added, certain do-harm speech should be subject to legal prosecution.

Media Monitor, a NGO specialising in observing the media's role in society, conducted a survey of hate speech on six political websites and four satellite-television stations between June 12 to 18 this year. The survey found three types of hate speech - dehumanising, devaluing and threatening.

Overall, the group found there was more hate speech on political websites than on partisan satellite-television stations. Political TV channels, the group stated, tended to contain more propaganda. Hate speech, when it was used, tended to be aimed at opposing parties.

Media Monitor found four types of dehumanising speech. Examples include portraying the red-shirt members of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship as water buffaloes and the Democrat Party as cockroaches. Others are compared to beasts from hell or zombies. Discriminatory class descriptions, such as serfs and slaves, were also used.

Or, people are insulted because of the region they hail from. For example, residents of the red-shirt strongholds in the North and Northeast are alleged to have less mental capacity because they have an iodine deficiency. Southerners, who mostly support the opposition Democrat Party, are branded as untrustworthy.

With devaluing speech, people from various sides are labelled as shameless, stupid, deceitful, cheaters or psychologically unbalanced.

Media Monitor found that both sides of the political divide use threatening speech. On the anti-red-shirt Serithai website, a user by the alias of annykun stated on June 13 that it is acceptable to hunt down "goons" and that "red shirts are like goons". Another anti-red on the same website using the alias Crime Minister, advocated the use of firearms to gun opponents down.

On the other hand, on the "Internet to Freedom" website, a red-shirt supporter stated that "the people's army will one day make opponents pay".

Prasong Lertrattanawisut, a former president of the Thai Journalists Association (TJA), said he is reluctant to ask any state organs to engage in censorship because there is already too much.

Mict, the Information and Communication Technology Minis-try, which has an annual budget of more than Bt300 million, patrols the Internet to enforce the Computer Crimes Act.

"They're already sitting there acting like Big Brother," Prasong said.

Jate Donavanik, a law lecturer at Siam University, said the public needs an outlet to blow off steam, and hate speech, as long as it does not enter the grey area where it becomes do-harm speech, should be tolerated.

-- The Nation 2012-10-12

Media Monitor found four types of dehumanising speech. Examples include portraying the red-shirt members of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship as water buffaloes and the Democrat Party as cockroaches. Others are compared to beasts from hell or zombies. Discriminatory class descriptions, such as serfs and slaves, were also used.

Or, people are insulted because of the region they hail from. For example, residents of the red-shirt strongholds in the North and Northeast are alleged to have less mental capacity because they have an iodine deficiency. Southerners, who mostly support the opposition Democrat Party, are branded as untrustworthy.

They need laws to sort it out? It's called discrimination

Media Monitor found four types of dehumanising speech. Examples include portraying the red-shirt members of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship as water buffaloes and the Democrat Party as cockroaches. Others are compared to beasts from hell or zombies. Discriminatory class descriptions, such as serfs and slaves, were also used.

Or, people are insulted because of the region they hail from. For example, residents of the red-shirt strongholds in the North and Northeast are alleged to have less mental capacity because they have an iodine deficiency. Southerners, who mostly support the opposition Democrat Party, are branded as untrustworthy.

They need laws to sort it out? It's called discrimination

LOL, if they're like this with their own, it's no bloody wonder the farang are on the lower rungs of Thai society.

Wow....They sound more like American politicians each day.

Public communications, campaigns, a better understanding, presentations ............ about something that they don't even have a definition of?? Un-<deleted>-believable.

They are talking about most of the people on this site.

During the red shirt occupation of Ratchprasong I heard the speaker on the stage rant on for about 5 minutes about how Abhisit was actually Vietnamese (his ancestors were Hakka Chinese who moved to Thailand from Vietnam) which from his tone of voice was apparently about as disgusting as one could get. I suppose accusing someone of being Vietnamese constitutes hate speech - perhaps because the Vietnamese farmers are now growing better rice and more of it than the red shirts who sit idly waiting for hand-outs. However, I wondered why he didn't just come out and say Abhisit was Chinese or British. Both would have been more accurate.

Media Monitor found four types of dehumanising speech. Examples include portraying the red-shirt members of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship as water buffaloes and the Democrat Party as cockroaches. Others are compared to beasts from hell or zombies. Discriminatory class descriptions, such as serfs and slaves, were also used.

Or, people are insulted because of the region they hail from. For example, residents of the red-shirt strongholds in the North and Northeast are alleged to have less mental capacity because they have an iodine deficiency. Southerners, who mostly support the opposition Democrat Party, are branded as untrustworthy.

They need laws to sort it out? It's called discrimination

LOL, if they're like this with their own, it's no bloody wonder the farang are on the lower rungs of Thai society.

Why does a buddhist country loving animals is the religion, LOOK DOWN on people by insulting others by CALLING them animals? Its ridiculous and pretty lame and unoriginal as a putdown.. Call someone a Toilet parasite and it gets a little more stinky like the paragon elevator lift rip...

"Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities"

Voltaire.

I saw it full swing during the Red Shirt protests, Abhisit portrayed as a blood thirsty Hitler, literally portrayed on clumsy photo manipulations as Hitler covered in blood. The point of the propaganda effort being that any measure is justified to eradicate such a "monster".

While Yellow Shirts and all walks of the political life do it, the Red Shirts/Thaksin are, AFAIK, the only ones to employ a concerted, professional PR effort into hate speech and general FUD, for example look at Robert Amsterdam and his firm.

I think the professional agitators and propagandists don't get nearly enough opprobrium for what they do, they are the men behind the worst atrocities you could imagine, white collar genocide and misery.

The PAD couldn't resist a bit of hate in their election "campaign"

The point of the campaign is less creative, however. Funded by

the ruling Democrat Party

the right-wing People’s Alliance for Democracy and a religious party called Santi Asoke, it encourages Thais (who are required to vote by law) to

spoil their ballots

in an attempt to create either a constitutional crisis where a quorum is not met in the election and it is considered invalid so a caretaker government needs to be formed.

http://www.travelfis...olitical-times/

"Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities"

Voltaire.

I saw it full swing during the Red Shirt protests, Abhisit portrayed as a blood thirsty Hitler, literally portrayed on clumsy photo manipulations as Hitler covered in blood. The point of the propaganda effort being that any measure is justified to eradicate such a "monster".

While Yellow Shirts and all walks of the political life do it, the Red Shirts/Thaksin are, AFAIK, the only ones to employ a concerted, professional PR effort into hate speech and general FUD, for example look at Robert Amsterdam and his firm.

I think the professional agitators and propagandists don't get nearly enough opprobrium for what they do, they are the men behind the worst atrocities you could imagine, white collar genocide and misery.

Did you not watch any state sponsored television in 2010? Colonel Sanserm?

I heard that Jatuporn, Nathawut and Arisman have a PhD in hate speech.

"Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities"

Voltaire.

I saw it full swing during the Red Shirt protests, Abhisit portrayed as a blood thirsty Hitler, literally portrayed on clumsy photo manipulations as Hitler covered in blood. The point of the propaganda effort being that any measure is justified to eradicate such a "monster".

While Yellow Shirts and all walks of the political life do it, the Red Shirts/Thaksin are, AFAIK, the only ones to employ a concerted, professional PR effort into hate speech and general FUD, for example look at Robert Amsterdam and his firm.

I think the professional agitators and propagandists don't get nearly enough opprobrium for what they do, they are the men behind the worst atrocities you could imagine, white collar genocide and misery.

Did you not watch any state sponsored television in 2010? Colonel Sanserm?

You mean from the terror camp in down town bangkok where the MIB provided security?

So what they gunna do - looks to the TVF finest for guidance and inspiration? ROFL

Hate speech where the dehumanizing aspect of the "enemy" is openly expressed is how mass murder and genocide has been spread to willing participants (i.e. "normal citizen"). In Rwanda, the Hutus proclaimed the Tutsis to be "cockroaches" in daily speeches on radio. In Germany the Jews were "rats" and it follows on and on. Once a target becomes dehumanized then inhumane actions can be the result.

A new committee watching team. CAREFUL WITH THE HUB OF WORDS BOYS!

Does this mean soon all Thai soaps will be banned from television ?

It is interesting that they have hundreds if pejorative phrases for those below, but I have never heard the equivalent even of 'toff' or posh t**t.

The day that someone can insult upwards of their position politely will be a momentous moment.

It is not only hate speech's look at all of Thaksin's meddling. I would not call them hate speech but it does far more damage than a lot of the hate speakers do.

It is not only hate speech's look at all of Thaksin's meddling. I would not call them hate speech but it does far more damage than a lot of the hate speakers do.

i had lunch with someone today who blatantly said she was up country to buy land b because Isaan people are stupid.

Thailand, one nation under one flag, thainess all together. Yeah right. The only this country functions is feeling smug about being above ones neighbors.

And you wonder why the so called elite have their nickers in a twist about subsidizing farmers? Just the mere meaning of a wai shows it all. At least a handshake means just for a moment, two people touch hands personally as individuals.

I am married to a decent woman from isaan, and the comments she has had at company and official events in bangkok, would raise hilarity in an alf garnet sketch.

I had no idea women from Isaan could be so fair skinned. Your wife speaks excellent English for a woman from isaan. Really your wife us from******* , From her accent, I would never have guessed.'

The base judgments of peoples as groups are so pitiful to listen to it is mind blowing. Thus country only exists to pigeon hole people, but one day.....

It is not only hate speech's look at all of Thaksin's meddling. I would not call them hate speech but it does far more damage than a lot of the hate speakers do.

i had lunch with someone today who blatantly said she was up country to buy land b because Isaan people are stupid.

Thailand, one nation under one flag, thainess all together. Yeah right. The only this country functions is feeling smug about being above ones neighbors.

And you wonder why the so called elite have their nickers in a twist about subsidizing farmers? Just the mere meaning of a wai shows it all. At least a handshake means just for a moment, two people touch hands personally as individuals.

I am married to a decent woman from isaan, and the comments she has had at company and official events in bangkok, would raise hilarity in an alf garnet sketch.

I had no idea women from Isaan could be so fair skinned. Your wife speaks excellent English for a woman from isaan. Really your wife us from******* , From her accent, I would never have guessed.'

The base judgments of peoples as groups are so pitiful to listen to it is mind blowing. Thus country only exists to pigeon hole people, but one day.....

Many individuals from Isaan are (world) travellers ;-)

It is not only hate speech's look at all of Thaksin's meddling. I would not call them hate speech but it does far more damage than a lot of the hate speakers do.

i had lunch with someone today who blatantly said she was up country to buy land b because Isaan people are stupid.

Thailand, one nation under one flag, thainess all together. Yeah right. The only this country functions is feeling smug about being above ones neighbors.

And you wonder why the so called elite have their nickers in a twist about subsidizing farmers? Just the mere meaning of a wai shows it all. At least a handshake means just for a moment, two people touch hands personally as individuals.

I am married to a decent woman from isaan, and the comments she has had at company and official events in bangkok, would raise hilarity in an alf garnet sketch.

I had no idea women from Isaan could be so fair skinned. Your wife speaks excellent English for a woman from isaan. Really your wife us from******* , From her accent, I would never have guessed.'

The base judgments of peoples as groups are so pitiful to listen to it is mind blowing. Thus country only exists to pigeon hole people, but one day.....

Many individuals from Isaan are (world) travellers ;-)

Well, after 14 years of marriage, my wife tends to t travel with me.

an excellent opportunity to abolish the last traces of freedom of speech.

Our grand-parents fought for it, we just drop it.

I learned this at about age 5:

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me."

If someone calls me names, really, I don't care. Big deal. For example, I've been called whitey, cracker, honky, gringo, howlee, SOB, pr**k and loads of other stuff -- some of it pretty nasty and demeaning.. Am I offended to the point that I want the government to step in a control speech??? Absolutely not! I just understand that people who indulge in name calling have issues. I can choose to let it bother me, or to let it go. I tend to let it go.

Now, if your feelings are so easily hurt, consider developing a thicker skin and a tougher emotional outlook. Or consider seeking counseling from a mental health professional to deal with your feelings of inadequacy.

However, I do believe that individuals should have legal recourse to file suit in civil court over defamation issues. I don't believe that defamation belongs in the realm of criminal justice imho (as is the case in Thailand and The Philippians), but people should have the ability to clear their name and seek damages in the case of outright lies that are publicly disseminated regarding that individual.

I learned this at about age 5:

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me."

If someone calls me names, really, I don't care. Big deal. For example, I've been called whitey, cracker, honky, gringo, howlee, SOB, pr**k and loads of other stuff -- some of it pretty nasty and demeaning.. Am I offended to the point that I want the government to step in a control speech??? Absolutely not! I just understand that people who indulge in name calling have issues. I can choose to let it bother me, or to let it go. I tend to let it go.

Now, if your feelings are so easily hurt, consider developing a thicker skin and a tougher emotional outlook. Or consider seeking counseling from a mental health professional to deal with your feelings of inadequacy.

However, I do believe that individuals should have legal recourse to file suit in civil court over defamation issues. I don't believe that defamation belongs in the realm of criminal justice imho (as is the case in Thailand and The Philippians), but people should have the ability to clear their name and seek damages in the case of outright lies that are publicly disseminated regarding that individual.

The best way to control people is to keep them scared and angry.

One thing is calling people names, the other inciting people, through lies and propaganda, to commit acts of violence to further an agenda; for example doctoring tapes of Abhisit ordering the killing of protesters.

As you said, you've been called names and you can shrug it of, good, commendable really. Now let's say that a neighbour of yours with a business grudge starts to say that you are a child molester as a ploy to get rid of you, up to the point of enraging enough people into a lynching mob. I assure you, bones can be broken (and worse things) by words.

The best way to control people is to keep them scared and angry.

One thing is calling people names, the other inciting people, through lies and propaganda, to commit acts of violence to further an agenda; for example doctoring tapes of Abhisit ordering the killing of protesters.

As you said, you've been called names and you can shrug it of, good, commendable really. Now let's say that a neighbour of yours with a business grudge starts to say that you are a child molester as a ploy to get rid of you, up to the point of enraging enough people into a lynching mob. I assure you, bones can be broken (and worse things) by words.

"The best way to control people is to keep them scared and angry".

I can think of no better way of doing that than shooting them in the head especially if they are unarmed - now I wonder where and by whom that has been done in recent times?

I learned this at about age 5:

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me."

If someone calls me names, really, I don't care. Big deal. For example, I've been called whitey, cracker, honky, gringo, howlee, SOB, pr**k and loads of other stuff -- some of it pretty nasty and demeaning.. Am I offended to the point that I want the government to step in a control speech??? Absolutely not! I just understand that people who indulge in name calling have issues. I can choose to let it bother me, or to let it go. I tend to let it go.

Now, if your feelings are so easily hurt, consider developing a thicker skin and a tougher emotional outlook. Or consider seeking counseling from a mental health professional to deal with your feelings of inadequacy.

However, I do believe that individuals should have legal recourse to file suit in civil court over defamation issues. I don't believe that defamation belongs in the realm of criminal justice imho (as is the case in Thailand and The Philippians), but people should have the ability to clear their name and seek damages in the case of outright lies that are publicly disseminated regarding that individual.

Resorting to calling people after animals is really rather banal, and you are right people should grow a thicker skin.

I learned this at about age 5:

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me."

If someone calls me names, really, I don't care. Big deal. For example, I've been called whitey, cracker, honky, gringo, howlee, SOB, pr**k and loads of other stuff -- some of it pretty nasty and demeaning.. Am I offended to the point that I want the government to step in a control speech??? Absolutely not! I just understand that people who indulge in name calling have issues. I can choose to let it bother me, or to let it go. I tend to let it go.

Now, if your feelings are so easily hurt, consider developing a thicker skin and a tougher emotional outlook. Or consider seeking counseling from a mental health professional to deal with your feelings of inadequacy.

However, I do believe that individuals should have legal recourse to file suit in civil court over defamation issues. I don't believe that defamation belongs in the realm of criminal justice imho (as is the case in Thailand and The Philippians), but people should have the ability to clear their name and seek damages in the case of outright lies that are publicly disseminated regarding that individual.

The best way to control people is to keep them scared and angry.

One thing is calling people names, the other inciting people, through lies and propaganda, to commit acts of violence to further an agenda; for example doctoring tapes of Abhisit ordering the killing of protesters.

As you said, you've been called names and you can shrug it of, good, commendable really. Now let's say that a neighbour of yours with a business grudge starts to say that you are a child molester as a ploy to get rid of you, up to the point of enraging enough people into a lynching mob. I assure you, bones can be broken (and worse things) by words.

That is defamation. In Thailand it's a criminal offense. The charge would have to be proved, and the accuser is in serious trouble when the facts prove otherwise.

An a lynch mob? Really? Not saying it can't happen but in this day an age, at least in developed and emerging nations, that's pretty far out there. But let's say that a lynch mob is incited to kill someone. OK. Then probably multiple individuals are going to face murder charges in the criminal justice system.

For me, I prefer to live in a country with less legal restrictions on it's populace. That's just me.

The best way to control people is to keep them scared and angry.

One thing is calling people names, the other inciting people, through lies and propaganda, to commit acts of violence to further an agenda; for example doctoring tapes of Abhisit ordering the killing of protesters.

As you said, you've been called names and you can shrug it of, good, commendable really. Now let's say that a neighbour of yours with a business grudge starts to say that you are a child molester as a ploy to get rid of you, up to the point of enraging enough people into a lynching mob. I assure you, bones can be broken (and worse things) by words.

"The best way to control people is to keep them scared and angry".

I can think of no better way of doing that than shooting them in the head especially if they are unarmed - now I wonder where and by whom that has been done in recent times?

I really find it strange that someone who professes to love Thaksin and the reds so much goes out of his way to introduce his black shirts' tactics into so many threads. Nice try, but all us who know the truth are aware of the black shirts' firing into their own crowd in order to give the red loonies a rallying point.

\

That is defamation. In Thailand it's a criminal offense. The charge would have to be proved, and the accuser is in serious trouble when the facts prove otherwise.

An a lynch mob? Really? Not saying it can't happen but in this day an age, at least in developed and emerging nations, that's pretty far out there. But let's say that a lynch mob is incited to kill someone. OK. Then probably multiple individuals are going to face murder charges in the criminal justice system.

For me, I prefer to live in a country with less legal restrictions on it's populace. That's just me.

Yes, lynch mobs can happen: