Censoring media unconstitutional, counter-productive: Thai report

[webfact]

SPECIAL REPORT
Censoring media unconstitutional, counter-productive
OPAS BOONLOM
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- MEDIA SOURCES claim that the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) - headed by Chalerm Yoobamrung - is planning to censor anti-government media outlets, particularly the BlueSky TV station.

The rumoured threat follows the state of emergency already imposed in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and parts of nearby provinces Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan.

Takerng Somsup, director of BlueSky TV, said if CMPO wished to shut down the station, it must send a request to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) first.

Takerng said he's prepared to take a vacation if that occurs, but added that such a move would not succeed in blocking broadcasts from the protest sites of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC).

He said there exists a TV pool system among five TV stations including T News, Rangsit University TV, 13 Siam Thai, FM TV and BlueSky. Many Internet sites are also relaying video broadcasts from PDRC stages.

Takerng warned that such a shutdown would backfire and attract more protesters to the sites, as they would become "thirsty" for news. He added that caretaker PM Yingluck Shinawatra already had state-run channels at her disposal to broadcast her government's views. "We're not doing anything illegal," said Takerng.

Mana Treelayapewat, a lecturer in mass communications at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said no impartial media organisations remain today in Thailand, but all operators should strive to be fair.

He said it appeared that state-controlled media were reporting news about candlelight vigils in support of elections more frequently than necessary and some newspaper groups might be taking an oeder from the government to support them.

Mana said it would be "inappropriate" for the government to shut down opposition media, and any content considered libellous should be dealt with through libel law.

Pradit Ruangdit, president of the Thai Journalists Association (TJA), said Article 45 of the Constitution protects press freedom and warned the government not to be selective in cracking down on media on just one side. "The media are already careful [about reporting]," said Pradit.

Wisuth Komwatcharapong, president of the Thai Broadcasting Journalists Association (TBJA) said the time has passed for governments to censor opposition media, as it was no longer acceptable.

He said the pro-government Asia Update TV was espousing only one point of view and so the government should accept the existence of partisan media. The media associations have also met and issued a joint statement expressing concern about possible censorship by the government.


-- The Nation 2014-01-28

[Siripon]

Those in power soon forget ideas of freedom of expression, it worked in the old days before the internet but not now.

[thesetat2013]

Since when has this gov started to be concerned about the laws in the constitution. Their track record clearly shows they will do what is good for them regardless if it violates any laws.

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[ramrod711]

Censoring media unconstitutional, counter-productive

This government has no respect for the constitution, it is clear that they think that it doesn't apply to them. Let's hope we don't hear any whining from them when the constitutional court lands on them with both feet. Most of the MPs are going to end up barred from politics for 5 years anyway, but have your election, see what it accomplishes.

[geriatrickid]

Those in power soon forget ideas of freedom of expression, it worked in the old days before the internet but not now.

Really? There are multiple topics that are blocked on the internet and -----censored -------.

To date, the media has been a willing participant. One cannot complain about censorship, when one is an active and intentional part of the censorship.

Edited January 28, 2014 by geriatrickid

[maxme]

Censorship has been in effect for a long time. Long before the feud of the ancients. That said Chalerm is really a hypocrit if he really impose this, then his fight for people to vote has been in vain, the whole process becomes corrupt. But what am I thinking... This is Thailand we are talking about.

Edited January 28, 2014 by maxme

[geriatrickid]

Censoring media unconstitutional, counter-productive

This government has no respect for the constitution, it is clear that they think that it doesn't apply to them. Let's hope we don't hear any whining from them when the constitutional court lands on them with both feet. Most of the MPs are going to end up barred from politics for 5 years anyway, but have your election, see what it accomplishes.

Ahh the constitution created by the military junta and written in such a manner so as to prevent challenges or amendments.

The "constitutional" court consisting mostly of military junta/Democrat party nominated members and of which 4 out 9 members are not actual judges is not on solid ground as its impartiality can be questioned.

[Thaddeus]

Those in power soon forget ideas of freedom of expression, it worked in the old days before the internet but not now.

Really? There are multiple topics that are blocked on the internet and that the media will not dare raise.

Links please.

[Emptyset]

Those in power soon forget ideas of freedom of expression, it worked in the old days before the internet but not now.

Really? There are multiple topics that are blocked on the internet and -----censored -------.

To date, the media has been a willing participant. One cannot complain about censorship, when one is an active and intentional part of the censorship.

Yep, and that's the no. 1 reason Thailand's press freedom rankings are so bad (LM law). The print media is actually fairly free apart from that.

[chrisdom]

Search for The Guardian Dave Sherman

Interesting article on the current situation.

[maxme]

Those in power soon forget ideas of freedom of expression, it worked in the old days before the internet but not now.

Really? There are multiple topics that are blocked on the internet and that the media will not dare raise.

Links please.

Why don't you google it? Tons of info on the subject.

Edited January 28, 2014 by maxme

[Thaddeus]

Those in power soon forget ideas of freedom of expression, it worked in the old days before the internet but not now.

Really? There are multiple topics that are blocked on the internet and that the media will not dare raise.

Links please.

Why don't you google it? Tons of info on the subject.

Try googling satire.

[icommunity]

Of course censoring media is unconstitutional. Using a media to instigate, provoke and the furtherance of hatred and violence are illegal not just when there is a emergency law. If when a media is suspended or its license is revoked, it is because they violated the law that issued it.

[Thaddeus]

If when a media is suspended or its license is revoked, it is because they violated the law that issued it.

Not always.....

http://www.nieman.harvard.edu/reports/article/101381/Thai-Journalists-Fight-an-Unexpected-Revival-of-Press-Restrictions.aspx

Deja Vu.

Again.

[DocN]

As if anyone in this country does even know what "unconstitutional" means or gives a toss about it!

[icommunity]

If when a media is suspended or its license is revoked, it is because they violated the law that issued it.

Not always.....

http://www.nieman.harvard.edu/reports/article/101381/Thai-Journalists-Fight-an-Unexpected-Revival-of-Press-Restrictions.aspx

Deja Vu.

Again.

Of course, it is not always true. I wrote "...it is because they violated the law that issued it." Only the court can issue an suspension or revoke order. Even this is not always true like during the AV's administration. However, it does not stop anyone from challenging the suspension or revocation through legal redress. The administration and enforcement of rule of law and justice should be equal and without fear and favour - whether media or the government.

A highly debatable move is when a government or 'politicians' - especially from the governing side, decided to legal action to protect itself is deem repressive, violation of rights, unconstitutional or intimidating the media.

IMO, the perception of the anti-government protesters that the current government is corrupted, abused of power etc.was the result of the government taking a more relax stance on addressing media distortion, rumour, untruth, misinformation and smear.

[robertson468]

Censoring media unconstitutional, counter-productive

This government has no respect for the constitution, it is clear that they think that it doesn't apply to them. Let's hope we don't hear any whining from them when the constitutional court lands on them with both feet. Most of the MPs are going to end up barred from politics for 5 years anyway, but have your election, see what it accomplishes.

Ahh the constitution created by the military junta and written in such a manner so as to prevent challenges or amendments.

The "constitutional" court consisting mostly of military junta/Democrat party nominated members and of which 4 out 9 members are not actual judges is not on solid ground as its impartiality can be questioned.

And the present Caretaker Government are on more solid ground? You are having a laugh my Friend and suggest you think before you submit such biased rubbish

[noikrit]

If when a media is suspended or its license is revoked, it is because they violated the law that issued it.

Not always.....

http://www.nieman.harvard.edu/reports/article/101381/Thai-Journalists-Fight-an-Unexpected-Revival-of-Press-Restrictions.aspx

Deja Vu.

Again.

Interesting Link Thaddeus !

[bigbamboo]

Censoring media unconstitutional, counter-productive

This government has no respect for the constitution, it is clear that they think that it doesn't apply to them. Let's hope we don't hear any whining from them when the constitutional court lands on them with both feet. Most of the MPs are going to end up barred from politics for 5 years anyway, but have your election, see what it accomplishes.

Ahh the constitution created by the military junta and written in such a manner so as to prevent challenges or amendments.

The "constitutional" court consisting mostly of military junta/Democrat party nominated members and of which 4 out 9 members are not actual judges is not on solid ground as its impartiality can be questioned.

And voted for by the people.

[thesetat2013]

Censoring media unconstitutional, counter-productive

This government has no respect for the constitution, it is clear that they think that it doesn't apply to them. Let's hope we don't hear any whining from them when the constitutional court lands on them with both feet. Most of the MPs are going to end up barred from politics for 5 years anyway, but have your election, see what it accomplishes.

Ahh the constitution created by the military junta and written in such a manner so as to prevent challenges or amendments.

The "constitutional" court consisting mostly of military junta/Democrat party nominated members and of which 4 out 9 members are not actual judges is not on solid ground as its impartiality can be questioned.

Someome needs to take thias chap to a brainwashing detox camp. Where do they come up with this crap?

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[Scamper]

The major media outlets are now stepping up to the plate to express outrage at the advances of Chalerm - through Thaksin's undoubted dictates - to censor the media. It started last Wednesday when Chalerm met with six media outlets that he would not name, citing the necessity to present only the " facts " and to avoid " panic " - which in Chalerm-speak obviously means - don't cover this story, don't do this, don't to that. Because the campaign of censorship of the media is initially happening behind closed doors, the administration is protected from what is said. But Chalerm's public comments about the media - and Thaksin's history of media intervention when he was here - give more than enough clues. As have their actions. And so anyone who is concerned about media censorship should be - as this is the first and vital step in authoritarian control. The state of emergency was never about the police presence on the streets. In fact, since it was implemented, the police presence has all but disappeared. It was always about going after the media. And with all the perennial " 72 hour ultimatums " given to this and that, one can be sure of one thing - they've gone after the media with swift speed. As we turn on the TV, we are already seeing the effects of the Chalerm influence. Some are detailed in this article. And the major news outlets - which are the only real protection for the public left - are very worried. As so should we.

Edited January 28, 2014 by Scamper

[gerry1011]

Censoring the media is wrong...

Overthrowing democracy is right...

Umf... Funny

Sent from my iPhone...

[kimamey]

Censoring media unconstitutional, counter-productive

This government has no respect for the constitution, it is clear that they think that it doesn't apply to them. Let's hope we don't hear any whining from them when the constitutional court lands on them with both feet. Most of the MPs are going to end up barred from politics for 5 years anyway, but have your election, see what it accomplishes.

Ahh the constitution created by the military junta and written in such a manner so as to prevent challenges or amendments.

The "constitutional" court consisting mostly of military junta/Democrat party nominated members and of which 4 out 9 members are not actual judges is not on solid ground as its impartiality can be questioned.

I don't know how accurate your statement on the CC is but I've heard similar ones often enough to believe it largely true. Of course a member could be appointed by one side and still be unbiased in carrying out their duties but without the balance in the membership it will lose credibility.

Given that that is the case then there should be measures taken to rectify the imbalance and it begs the question what has been done so far? I can understand the Democrats might not be keen but has the PTP tried anything or put forward any plans on this issue? I know they're happy enough when courts rule in their favour. They did say they wanted to get rid of double standards but I've seen nothing to suggest they're doing, or planning to do anything about it. Of course any plans would need to deal with the DSI as well.

Edited January 28, 2014 by kimamey

[mrmicbkktxl]

Those in power soon forget ideas of freedom of expression, it worked in the old days before the internet but not now.

Really? There are multiple topics that are blocked on the internet and that the media will not dare raise.

Links

Telling other members to brake forum rules should be punished with a ban

[Thaddeus]

Those in power soon forget ideas of freedom of expression, it worked in the old days before the internet but not now.

Really? There are multiple topics that are blocked on the internet and that the media will not dare raise.

Links

Telling other members to brake forum rules should be punished with a ban

Purrleeze.

It was tongue in cheek, not a serious request.

I'm quite sure that GK got it.