Pulitzer reporters may face arrest in Thailand: police

[Lite Beer]

Pulitzer reporters may face arrest in Thailand: police

BANGKOK, May 12, 2014 (AFP) - Reporters with the Reuters news agency could face arrest in Thailand in connection with a Pulitzer Prize-winning article alleging Thai military involvement in people smuggling, police said Monday.

The Reuters journalists will be summoned in the next few days to acknowledge defamation charges, Lieutenant Somkid On-Jan told AFP from the southern island of Phuket where the complaint was filed by the Thai navy.

"If they do not come, arrest warrants will be issued," he said, adding that the summonses would be sent to Reuters' overseas headquarters.

Somkid did not name the journalists facing summonses but the two authors of the Reuters article at the centre of the legal row are believed to be living overseas so are unlikely to go on trial.

The article was part of a series about the plight of Myanmar's Rohingya -- a persecuted Muslim minority -- that was honoured with a Pulitzer Prize last month.

Reuters has defended its coverage as "fair and balanced".

The Thai navy is also suing an Australian and a Thai journalist for an article on a Phuket-based news website that quoted the Reuters report.

If convicted those two reporters could face up to two years' imprisonment for defamation and five years for breaching the Computer Crimes Act.

New York-based Human Rights Watch has denounced the case as "a dark stain on Thailand's record for respecting media freedom".

The stateless Rohingya are considered by the UN to be one of the world's most persecuted minorities.

Buddhist-Muslim clashes in 2012 in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine triggered an exodus of Rohingya asylum-seekers by boat.

Thailand ranked 130th out of 180 countries in the 2014 Reporters Without Borders press freedom index.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-05-12

[GuestHouse]

How to turn a regional stink into a unavoidable world wide stench.

[Chang_paarp]

I wonder if the Thai military realise how much this will inconvenience the reporters?

Very little. Just one more country they cannot go to, lots of others out there.

[Thaiisnotrequired]

First, why is this announced by the Police?

Second... i REALLY can't wait to see world-wide coverage of this one... "Thai Computer Crime's Act".

Third, is this is a lawsuit against individuals or Reuter's itself?

So much BS and innacuracy, before it's even started or kicked off the ground.

FOURTH - Reuters has all the videos and coverage, and if the RTN really want to make a laughing stock of Thailand... go ahead.... you will be removed by Chalerm (sorry, his replacement) head by head...

UN (not my father) and all and sundry have evidence in this matter... really... whoever is at the forefront of this Thai pursuit is off his rocker....

oops... Back to Chalerm again, what was that? I have a hearing problem.

[Soutpeel]

If they do not come, arrest warrants will be issued," he said, adding that the summonses would be sent to Reuters' overseas headquarters.

I am not a lawyer, but if Reuters overseas head quarters is not in Thailand, then said believe summonses would not be enforceable anyway.

[Thaiisnotrequired]

If they do not come, arrest warrants will be issued," he said, adding that the summonses would be sent to Reuters' overseas headquarters.

I am not a lawyer, but if Reuters overseas head quarters is not in Thailand, then said believe summonses would not be enforceable anyway.

They'll use Dubai extradition rules as a medium... you know.. ghosts an' all

[Bluespunk]

The truth shall get you sued, harassed, gaoled and, if you upset the wrong person, worse.

[Suriya4]

If he broke the law, he must go to jail regardless what prize he won.

[Robby nz]

They really are keen to focus world attention on to Thailand's treatment of the boat people.

Wouldn't it make more sense to have a thorough inquiry into the mistreatment the reporters uncovered then go after those responsible regardless of what service they are in or if they are private citizens.

That would show that Thailand is serious about combatting the problem and possibly even prevent them being dropped to No3 on the list.

There is no doubt that people smuggling is involved so surely going after those involved in the smuggling and making an attempt to stop it would be a better strategy, rather than attacking those who told you about it.

Even if it goes to the top in the service then it would be better to shut up and let it pass, for if the brass are involved then they are only putting their head in a noose by this legal action.

How about if it did get to court and the Reuters defense came out with proof of navy involvement that named names with videos and photos, not a shot in the foot but right between the eyes.

[belg]

yes, some world class journalists will come here again to face an unfair trial

555555555555555

so naive, those people that think they are so better than everyone else... the chosen one's, or so they are being told from kindergarden age

[marko kok prong]

Thailand is seeming now to lead the world in shooting itself in the foot,if this plus the political chaos continues,they won't need tat any more as few will come to such a place.

[wwest5829]

If he broke the law, he must go to jail regardless what prize he won.

Let's take it to the International Court of Justice in The Hague as it involves citizens of another country?

[Misterwhisper]

Ridiculous!

Now just imagine the allegations against the Thai Navy (or rather, certain Navy personnel) turning out to be true on one level or another.

It will make for a very, very interesting follow-up story incorporating the knee-jerk reactions displayed by local authorities and the rather blunt attempts at sweeping an alleged situation under the carpet.

When one wants to shoot oneself in the foot when the other is already bleeding, this approach certainly is the perfect methodology to achieve that.

Bravo, Thailand! In any other country a storm of internal inquiries and investigations would have broken lose to find out if the allegations bear any grain of truth or not, and who (if anyone) within the Navy might be involved.

But here it's as usual just outright denial to save face at any cost, no matter how hypocritical it may seem to the outside world.

Edited May 12, 2014 by Misterwhisper

[surangw]

once agani the lawyers at reuters wet themselves when they read this from laffing so hard.

[bigbamboo]

If he broke the law, he must go to jail regardless what prize he won.

And if the story is true?

[ggold]

If they do not come, arrest warrants will be issued," he said, adding that the summonses would be sent to Reuters' overseas headquarters.

I am not a lawyer, but if Reuters overseas head quarters is not in Thailand, then said believe summonses would not be enforceable anyway.

I don't think Somkid thought that through!

[culicine]

If he broke the law, he must go to jail regardless what prize he won.

And if the story is true?

It's still defamation, whether it's true or not. Can;t have anyone losing face, can we?

[Cnxforever]

Hahaha...what a bunch of loonies turn the world press against you clever move!

Lieutenant Somkid On-Jan is a bit naive to think they will turn themselves in to one of the most corrupt police forces in the world.

The coin always has two sides you can not break and apply laws as you please and expect others to take you seriously.

The lieutenant will soon find out that if you think you can intimidate serious reporters (not talking about Thai "reporters") you better be prepared for what's coming!

Does he really think they give a damn about the charges in Thailand?

Thailand has a serious problem when it comes to people trafficking - pure greed is the reason - deal with it - but don't shoot the messengers!

[Kaoboi Bebobp]

If they do not come, arrest warrants will be issued," he said, adding that the summonses would be sent to Reuters' overseas headquarters.

I am not a lawyer, but if Reuters overseas head quarters is not in Thailand, then said believe summonses would not be enforceable anyway.

Reuters' chief Asia news desk is in Singapore. Picture desk used to be in HK.The AP Asia desk is in Bangkok.

Edited May 12, 2014 by Kaoboi Bebobp

[Seismic]

I am always surprised when I see reactions like these posted. It seems to me that most, or all, of the posters really have no idea about this country.

The officials really couldnt care less what the "world" reaction would/could be. As long as they are protected by the age old patronage system then everything rotten will continue as usual.

[Benmart]

If he broke the law, he must go to jail regardless what prize he won.

Yes, and let us not forget all the other law breakers that have arrest warrants and are quite free to travel unmolested within Thailand.

Freedom of the press and freedom of speech is an alien concept in some societies.

[oneiron]

Way to go Thailand. You are now only 130th out of 180 spots on press freedom. Only 50 spots to go. Last place is still available.

[tubby johnson]

Window dressing.

Thailand must never lose face. Saving the country's precious reputation is more important than the Thai government's disgusting treatment of the Rohingyas.

[bangon04]

If he broke the law, he must go to jail regardless what prize he won.

Whose law? There are many countries in the world where Thai law is neither enforced nor even respected. and in the case of laws intended to silence criticism of authority it is not really surprising that people in other countries will be laughing at Thailand yet again...

Maybe if you send the journalists a free one way first class ticket on THAI Airways, they will be dumb enough to visit...

Edited May 12, 2014 by bangon04

[Som wat]

How dare reporters report bad things about Buddhist Thais and Thailand.

[rickirs]

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They really are keen to focus world attention on to Thailand's treatment of the boat people.

Wouldn't it make more sense to have a thorough inquiry into the mistreatment the reporters uncovered then go after those responsible regardless of what service they are in or if they are private citizens.

That would show that Thailand is serious about combatting the problem and possibly even prevent them being dropped to No3 on the list.

There is no doubt that people smuggling is involved so surely going after those involved in the smuggling and making an attempt to stop it would be a better strategy, rather than attacking those who told you about it.

Even if it goes to the top in the service then it would be better to shut up and let it pass, for if the brass are involved then they are only putting their head in a noose by this legal action.

How about if it did get to court and the Reuters defense came out with proof of navy involvement that named names with videos and photos, not a shot in the foot but right between the eyes.

Do remember that the issue is that the Thai military is alleged to be participating in "human trafficking" and not in "smuggling." The former is a human rights violation that UN has taken issue with Thailand's ineffective prevention of the former. Judging from the Rueters report, now we know why.

[heybruce]

I hope the Thai Navy and judicial system pursue this matter as aggressively as possible to the very end. I also hope the whole world takes note and sees how freedom of press and the judicial system works in Thailand. It might shame the government into some much needed changes.

[Thai at Heart]

This is really entering the realms of the absurd. Please reuters, produce another piece, and another, and another.

Anyone for an expose on how much the navy paid for the carrier? Please go to war on these idiots.

[Maroon Watcher]

I'm sure it's been said before but...

“When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudice, and motivated by pride and vanity”

[WoopyDoo]

Bring it on.

Typical Thai arrogance that is going to end up biting them in the ar-se.

I hope their continued denial will end up in an international criminal court case for the top brass of the navy and police.

Keep pushing the envelope and that is what you may get.

Another classic example of assuming that everyone non-Thai is going to play the same game as they are... they are too stupid to realise that everyone outside Thailand are actually intelligent, not retarded.