Ban On Critic Could Backfire On The Thai Govt: Editorial

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Ban on critic could backfire on the govt
The Nation

Allegations that the ruling party is trying to protect its de facto leader at the expense of freedom of speech raises again the issue of double standards

BANGKOK: -- Freedom of expression is a slippery concept. Ask Sulak Sivalaksa, the well-known social activist who is one of the country's most critical voices when it comes to the monarchy, but who has ironically been subjected to an online ban because he criticised Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has blocked Sulak's Facebook account, on which he essentially asked Bangkok voters to support the "lesser devil" Democrats in the city gubernatorial election, in order to pre-empt political domination by the real patriarch of the ruling Pheu Thai Party.

The clampdown on Sulak has created a messy political scene, a free-for-all mudslinging match in which no one knows for sure which side he is on. Sulak is widely considered an eccentric anti-monarchist, but controversy surrounding him has been amplified thanks to the ban. Now he is not portrayed as an entirely anti-monarchist activist, but someone who harbours good yet critical intentions toward the royal institution. His so-called "disciples" have been caught off guard by his pro-Democrat stand, which he insists is only warranted by the threat of Thaksin's omnipresence - but Sulak's opponents have been equally confused.

Debate on what Sulak is up to has gone parallel with the issue of freedom of expression. His normal rivals are defending his right to say what he thinks, while his usual followers are either muted or half-heartedly attacking the government for its harsh action.

The rest of society has been practically splintered. There are pro-Sulak but anti-monarchy observers who do not quite know what to do. There are royalists who hate Sulak but like the latest thing he has done. There are those who are anti-Sulak but are decrying the ban imposed by the government.

Even why he has been banned is a controversial issue. The government, predictably, has defended its action by saying that what he wrote "politicised" the monarchy, although his contentious statement pointed out the importance of the institution. The government's rivals, however, insist that Sulak would not have been banned if he hadn't singled out Thaksin as the "real" devil allegedly threatening our constitutional monarchy. Sulak, they say, suffered the same fate as the soap opera "Nua Mek", which was recently taken off the air due to content highly critical of political corruption and the telecom industry.

So is Sulak entitled to say what he thinks? His latest Facebook posting might provide grounds for soul-searching when it comes to "freedom of expression". If the government contends that his writing dragged the monarchy through gutter politics, it can be argued that he simply recognised, in his statement, the institution's importance - something a lot of people do. But if the government's claims that Sulak was banned because he wrote something "untrue" about Thaksin, the administration is taking a risky stand that could backfire badly.

The Ministry of Information must come out to make it clear whether all other "untrue" Facebook postings should be banned. Otherwise the ministry runs the risk of institutionalising Thaksin. In Thailand there is a lot of "untrue" content about people, some in high places, that has escaped the ministry's scrutiny, so what is the standard? If the previous government was accused of going after websites deemed a threat to national security, what is this government doing to show it has a better democratic standard?

Sulak has made followers frown and won unlikely cheers from former opponents. That's understandable, because he was always considered to be on one side, but has come out against that camp with all guns blazing. The political mess he has generated, however, should not distract from the fact that freedom of expression is just one among many principles that need to be "standardised" in Thailand.

All through our political crisis, one term that stands out is "double standard". Nobody denies that it exists. The real problem is that not even those who decry the practice are ashamed to embrace it when it suits them.


-- The Nation 2013-03-01

[Ricardo]

Remember the 'good-old-days', when Red-PTP used to 'fight' for 'Freedom-of-Speech', and 'Justice & True-Democracy' ?

It cuts both ways, guys & gal !

[Locationthailand]

What a waste of time this whole article is - is it really worth this much space and more specifically as 'editorial'?

Edited March 1, 2013 by Locationthailand

[chainarong]

I'm surprised this is open for comment, anyway, as we keep telling these slows ,democracy means you can say what you like , providing it is not liable, offends etc etc, you don't interfere with facebook or any other blog sites, you don't close things down because its not popular for you, you are a public figure, your course of action is the due process of the court, If this guy thinks Thaksin is a schmuck, so, plenty think that way, I don't think the dysfunctional family in the big house near Pall Mall UK could careless what is said, look what that author had to say about Kate two weeks back , Public opinion will prevale, who cares.

[chainarong]

What a waste of time this whole article is - is it really worth this much space and more specifically as 'editorial'?

No , you are wrong LT, this is a article on freedom of speech, you've just proved that

[scorecard]

What a waste of time this whole article is - is it really worth this much space and more specifically as 'editorial'?

No , you are wrong LT, this is a article on freedom of speech, you've just proved that

I agree fully with Chainarong.

[moe666]

Asians talk a lot about democracy but which country in this region allows it to really flourish, the whole face thing precludes true freedom of speech

[Katipo]

So it's confusing because this guy appears to have principals which are not based on one particular party/groups lines?

[Buchholz]

While his Facebook account is indeed blocked by the omnipotent Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, the informative wiki page on his interesting life remains viewable...

But, with entries like this on it... perhaps not for long:

During a protest on 26 February 2006, Sulak called Prime Minister Thaksin a pitiful dog.

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Edited March 1, 2013 by Buchholz

[noitom]

I'm surprised this is open for comment, anyway, as we keep telling these slows ,democracy means you can say what you like , providing it is not liable, offends etc etc, you don't interfere with facebook or any other blog sites, you don't close things down because its not popular for you, you are a public figure, your course of action is the due process of the court, If this guy thinks Thaksin is a schmuck, so, plenty think that way, I don't think the dysfunctional family in the big house near Pall Mall UK could careless what is said, look what that author had to say about Kate two weeks back , Public opinion will prevale, who cares.

Libel yes, "offends" no. Free speech and democracy are frameworks for speaking out freely and if it "offends" someone or something , well then it's not democracy or freedom of speech and it's the offendees problem. of course if you have it clearly spelled out in your constitution or amendments, then it might include comments against folks because of age, sex, skin colr, race, religion..etc

[JetsetBkk]

What a waste of time this whole article is - is it really worth this much space and more specifically as 'editorial'?

Yes, but unusually clear and concise English from The Nation. I guess this piece wasn't written by one of their usual scribblers.

[Arkady]

Seems not a case of whether true or not, just his personal opinions about politics and a man who happens to be a convicted felon and fugitive from justice.

Is there going to be a separate article of the Penal Code making it illegal to criticise Thaksin or make any comment deemed unfavorable about him?

[OzMick]

So it's confusing because this guy appears to have principals which are not based on one particular party/groups lines?

How can he get rich doing that?

[OzMick]

While his Facebook account is indeed blocked by the omnipotent Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, the informative wiki page on his interesting life remains viewable...

But, with entries like this on it... perhaps not for long:

During a protest on 26 February 2006, Sulak called Prime Minister Thaksin a pitiful dog.

.

"He has all the characteristics of a dog except loyalty."

Sam Houston, American politician

[bigbamboo]

Sulak should consider himself lucky.

Remember that poor female journalist who was sued for a billion baht a few years ago for suggesting that the incumbent PM may (only may) have profited financially from his tenure in office?

[OzMick]

Seems not a case of whether true or not, just his personal opinions about politics and a man who happens to be a convicted felon and fugitive from justice.

Is there going to be a separate article of the Penal Code making it illegal to criticise Thaksin or make any comment deemed unfavorable about him?

It is covered in the wider section covering the Shinawatra family and excluding them from prosecution. In cases so blatant that they can't be ignored or forgotten, the definition of the offence is changed to protect the untouchable.

[Buchholz]

While his Facebook account is indeed blocked by the omnipotent Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, the informative wiki page on his interesting life remains viewable...

But, with entries like this on it... perhaps not for long:

During a protest on 26 February 2006, Sulak called Prime Minister Thaksin a pitiful dog.

"He has all the characteristics of a dog except loyalty."

Sam Houston, American politician

.

quite appropriate

.

.

Thaksin Shinawatra

Sam Houston State University, Ph.D. in criminal justice

http://www.notablebiographies.com/newsmakers2/2005-Pu-Z/Shinawatra-Thaksin.html#ixzz2MGLTaeBy

.

[Ricardo]

Remember the 'good-old-days', when Red-PTP used to 'fight' for 'Freedom-of-Speech', and 'Justice & True-Democracy' ?

It cuts both ways, guys & gal !

All Hail, free and democratic Thailand. What's the bet that if, or should it be when, the real PM comes back he adds himself to the Lese Majesty laws ?

Surely simpler to have the Red-Mob pay a house-call, to demonstrate their disagreement of Sulak's use, of his right to free-expression ?

One can have a right, without ever being permitted to use it, works just as well in the Brave Red New World ! Yay for 'True-Democracy. !

'But, but the Democrats' used to use the LM-law, and shut-down our Red-propaganda magazine/TV-station/website for making inflamatory-statements during the Red Street-Riots in 2010 ?

I'd agree that control of free-speech is too strong in Thailand, coming as I do from a country where there's more (but not unlimited) freedom, and understanding/support for dissenting views is too weak, and needs sensitive reforming. Due sometime in the next century, or so, perhaps ?

[Thai at Heart]

They actually bothered to block a facebook for criticizing ptp and thaksin?

How the hell has the nation survived all these years?

[drdoom6996]

Ban me, I am a Taksin CRITIC. If I am not gone before, I will be gone the day he arrives with his amnesty papers hanging around his neck like a noose.

[Bagwan]

I'm surprised this is open for comment, anyway, as we keep telling these slows ,democracy means you can say what you like , providing it is not liable, offends etc etc, you don't interfere with facebook or any other blog sites, you don't close things down because its not popular for you, you are a public figure, your course of action is the due process of the court, If this guy thinks Thaksin is a schmuck, so, plenty think that way, I don't think the dysfunctional family in the big house near Pall Mall UK could careless what is said, look what that author had to say about Kate two weeks back , Public opinion will prevale, who cares.

Is the dysfunctional family that you refer to the one that lives in the large house at the end of The Mall? The house was owned at one time by the Duke of Buckingham and its grandeur, and other things, made it look as he was putting himself above the monarchy so he disposed of it. The dysfunctional family were made to take into consideration what their subjects thought on the occasion of the death of Princess Diana when their indifference, (maybe relief?) was in sharp contrast to almost the entire UK population. That they could shed tears over the loss of the Royal Yacht, paid for AFAIK out of the purse of the Royal Navy, yet show indifference to a very lovable if understandably wayward former member of their gang, says it all about how out of touch with reality they are. For me they are Hollywood on steroids, and adored by those in rose tinted spectacles who are probably closet Barbara Cartland fans.

Pall Mall is a street in the City of Westminster, London, and runs parallel to The Mall, from St. James's Street across Waterloo Place to the Haymarket; while Pall Mall East continues into Trafalgar Square. The street is a major thoroughfare in the St. James's area of London, and a section of the regional A4 road. The name of the street is derived from "pall mall", a mallet-and-ball game that was played there during the 17th century. Here ended the first lesson.

[jamhar]

Damn, this is going to be one hella trainwreck!

Someone get me a reclining chair and a beer.

I see a spectator sport a com'n!

[zydeco]

For most of human history, individuals have been able to say and think anything they wanted. Although doing so frequently cost them their lives.

[rubl]

Way to go government!

Now which posters here always complained about internet censorship under the previous government and how much it might have improved since?

[Thai at Heart]

How does someone block a Facebook page anyway.

Anyone tried to view it?

[Dap]

Seems not a case of whether true or not, just his personal opinions about politics and a man who happens to be a convicted felon and fugitive from justice.

Is there going to be a separate article of the Penal Code making it illegal to criticise Thaksin or make any comment deemed unfavorable about him?

Could be coming soon.

[timewilltell]

Asians talk a lot about democracy but which country in this region allows it to really flourish, the whole face thing precludes true freedom of speech

No - well not for Thailand anyway. The whole face thing is a farce thing. It is a means to detract from the true isse, problem or illegal act. True freedom of speech is precluded by the dimwits who run the country, or maybe they are not dimwitted but rather opportunistic and oblivious to the treachery of their actions in stealing the assets of their country - the country they profess to love so much whilst dipping their grubby little hands in the treasury like the greedy pigs they are. The real problem is freedom of speech = information, exposure and eventually a cessation of their illegal profiteering by the inevitable reaction of the people who thereby become enlightened. The real problem is that in this 'Land of the Free' - people are not free but controlled by whatever dictator happens to worm his way into power with the lies, deceit and subterfuge that Asians are particularly gifted at.

The face thing is the excuse used by the intellectully challenged to react to a situation where they find they are out of their depth, unable to find an excuse for the exposure of their lies, unable to handle because they have been found out or any one of a myriad of other reasons - none of which display their intelligence. It is a defence against their ignorance and that is it! A simple animalistic defence mechanism. We all have them - they are just not all the same!

Edited March 1, 2013 by timewilltell

[Buchholz]

How does someone block a Facebook page anyway.

Anyone tried to view it?

.

Yes, as stated previously, it's blocked by the omnipotent ICT Ministry.

It results in their patented message that they are protecting us from viewing things we shouldn't be exposed to:

“ขออภัยในความไม่สะดวกกระทรวงเทคโนโลยีสารสนเทศและการสื่อสาร ได้มีคำสั่งให้ระงับการเผยแพร่เว็บไซด์ที่ท่านต้องการเข้าชมเนื่องจากมีรูปภาพ ข้อความ และ เนื้อหาบางส่วนที่ไม่เหมาะสม สอบถามรายละเอียดเพิ่มเติมได้ที่กระทรวงเทคโนโลยีสารสนเทศและการสื่อสาร โทร 0 2141 6950”...

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AFAIK, it's a first for them to block a Facebook page, but as they branch out to further block the web, I'm sure it won't be the last for a Facebook page and that other "firsts" will be occurring on other social media websites.

.

Edited March 2, 2013 by Buchholz

[Pimay1]

How does someone block a Facebook page anyway.

Anyone tried to view it?

.

Yes, as stated previously, it's blocked by the omnipotent ICT Ministry.

It results in their patented message that they are protecting us from viewing things we shouldn't be exposed to:

“ขออภัยในความไม่สะดวกกระทรวงเทคโนโลยีสารสนเทศและการสื่อสาร ได้มีคำสั่งให้ระงับการเผยแพร่เว็บไซด์ที่ท่านต้องการเข้าชมเนื่องจากมีรูปภาพ ข้อความ และ เนื้อหาบางส่วนที่ไม่เหมาะสม สอบถามรายละเอียดเพิ่มเติมได้ที่กระทรวงเทคโนโลยีสารสนเทศและการสื่อสาร โทร 0 2141 6950”...

.

AFAIK, it's a first for them to block a Facebook page, but as they branch out to further block the web, I'm sure it won't be the last for a Facebook page and that other "firsts" will be occurring on other social media websites.

.

Why does freedom of speech and red style democracy come to mind?

[Thai at Heart]

How does someone block a Facebook page anyway.

Anyone tried to view it?

.

Yes, as stated previously, it's blocked by the omnipotent ICT Ministry.

It results in their patented message that they are protecting us from viewing things we shouldn't be exposed to:

ขออภัยในความไม่สะดวก

กระทรวงเทคโนโลยีสารสนเทศและการสื่อสาร ได้มีคำสั่งให้ระงับการเผยแพร่เว็บไซด์ที่ท่านต้องการเข้าชม

เนื่องจากมีรูปภาพ ข้อความ และ เนื้อหาบางส่วนที่ไม่เหมาะสม สอบถามรายละเอียดเพิ่มเติมได้ที่

กระทรวงเทคโนโลยีสารสนเทศและการสื่อสาร โทร 0 2141 6950...

.

AFAIK, it's a first for them to block a Facebook page, but as they branch out to further block the web, I'm sure it won't be the last for a Facebook page and that other "firsts" will be occurring on other social media websites.

.

That is incredible, to block a single page.

Interesting.