Foreign diplomats told martial law invoked to maintain peace and order

[webfact]

Foreign diplomats told martial law invoked to maintain peace and order

BANGKOK, 21 May 2014 (NNT) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has explained the reasons for the imposition of martial law by the Royal Thai Army to foreign diplomats, stressing that martial law has been invoked to maintain peace and only some sections of the law will be used.

The ministry called a meeting between 73 foreign diplomats from 57 countries on Tuesday at 6 PM on the invocation of martial law in Thailand. Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sek Wannamethi said the meeting had informed the diplomats that all Thai government units were able to operate as usual under martial law which would be lifted once the situation resumed normal conditions.

Martial law would be used in line with human rights and there would be no limitation of freedom of the press and people’s daily lives.

The meeting also briefed the diplomats on the structure of the Peace and Order Maintaining Command (POMC). The diplomats called on the Thai government to ensure safety for expatriates and foreign tourists in Thailand.

Mr Sek said he told the diplomats that POMC Director Gen.Prayuth Chan-ocha confirmed there was no need for curfew at present. As for UN representatives who work near anti-government rally sites, the spokesman said the ministry had contacted the national police and security units to facilitate them.


-- NNT 2014-05-21

[EricBerg]

... "and there would be no limitation of freedom of the press"...

Except of course closing down a few tv stations.

[Somtamnication]

I'm sure that after the meeting, they all hugged each other in utter relief and went to the local beergardens.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Somtamnication

[Civil War]

Where is the foreign minister?

Probably in a foreign land.

Come on Surapong, I thought you were still holding onto all your posts until you read your sacking in the Royal Gazette?

[klauskunkel]

Foreign diplomats told martial law invoked to maintain peace and order

Yes, yes...nothing to see here, move along now...

[Fookhaht]

... "and there would be no limitation of freedom of the press"...

Except of course closing down a few tv stations.

Prayuth made some not-so-veiled threats against the newspapers and social media yesterday.

I noticed this morning that the Bangkok Post removed all of its coup-related controversial news stories (at least 6 or 7 stories) from their mobile website version.

The noose around freedom of speech/the press is tightening. These are ominous developments, and I'm wondering how long the free flow of opinion and information will last on this very forum.

The below quote from another TV thread reminds us that this guy currently speaks out of both sides of his mouth.

"He apologized for the temporary closure of certain media channels as this was a means to ensure the situation does not escalate further from biased media broadcasts."

Edited May 21, 2014 by Fookhaht

[Mentors]

Now just sunny and flower stories ahead. Its not worth to read Thai meanstream newspapers anymore.

[impulse]

The noose around freedom of speech/the press is tightening. These are ominous developments, and I'm wondering how long the free flow of opinion and information will last on this very forum.

If there's a big-ass fire burning, it makes pretty good sense to confiscate the buckets of gasoline from the people milling about the area. Regardless of whose side they're on.

Ominous? Maybe. But way too early to call.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

... "and there would be no limitation of freedom of the press"...

Except of course closing down a few tv stations.

And unlicensed Red radio stations... And warning all news media to avoid publishing any info that could be considered detrimental to national security.

Ooops... Forgot to mention those little details.

And no mention of Surapong in all this... Tsk Tsk... Really missing him about now.

But seriously, I think, under the circumstances, there is some prudence in shutting down the incendiary, propaganda mouthpieces of both sides. Wish it wasn't necessary, but that's probably for the best.

But for the Foreign Ministry to get up and simply lie in front of the foreign representatives community here about "no limitation on freedom of the press" is pretty amazing.

Kind of reminds me of the Iraqi Mouthpiece Minister going before the world's cameras and proclaiming all is well, just before Sadam Hussein's regime fell.

Edited May 21, 2014 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[Fookhaht]

The noose around freedom of speech/the press is tightening. These are ominous developments, and I'm wondering how long the free flow of opinion and information will last on this very forum.

If there's a big-ass fire burning, it makes pretty good sense to confiscate the buckets of gasoline from the people milling about the area. Regardless of whose side they're on.

So let's make sure we understand you perfectly clear. You're fully in favor of shutting down free speech and press freedom if it serves the interests of security?

[impulse]

The noose around freedom of speech/the press is tightening. These are ominous developments, and I'm wondering how long the free flow of opinion and information will last on this very forum.

If there's a big-ass fire burning, it makes pretty good sense to confiscate the buckets of gasoline from the people milling about the area. Regardless of whose side they're on.

So let's make sure we understand you perfectly clear. You're fully in favor of shutting down free speech and press freedom if it serves the interests of security?

You're mistaking "free speech" with "paid advertisements".

Edit: I'll get worried when they block access to CNN, Reuters, Al Jazeera and other press not owned by one of the factions in this fight.

Edited May 21, 2014 by impulse

[Fookhaht]

The noose around freedom of speech/the press is tightening. These are ominous developments, and I'm wondering how long the free flow of opinion and information will last on this very forum.

If there's a big-ass fire burning, it makes pretty good sense to confiscate the buckets of gasoline from the people milling about the area. Regardless of whose side they're on.

So let's make sure we understand you perfectly clear. You're fully in favor of shutting down free speech and press freedom if it serves the interests of security?

You're mistaking "free speech" with "paid advertisements".

Edit: I'll get worried when they block access to CNN, Reuters, Al Jazeera and other press not owned by one of the factions in this fight.

Mr. Semantics:

"Paid advertisements" are a subset of "free speech." Journalism 101

When you put the power of defining "biased media broadcasts" into the hands of a military general, you are giving away too many human rights.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Fookhaht

[ggold]

... "and there would be no limitation of freedom of the press"...

Except of course closing down a few tv stations.

TV stations which were properganda machines for various factions. It was the right move.

[impulse]

So let's make sure we understand you perfectly clear. You're fully in favor of shutting down free speech and press freedom if it serves the interests of security?

You're mistaking "free speech" with "paid advertisements".

Edit: I'll get worried when they block access to CNN, Reuters, Al Jazeera and other press not owned by one of the factions in this fight.

Mr. Semantics:

"Paid advertisements" are a subset of "free speech." Journalism 101

I believe the tobacco, liquor and pharmaceutical industries have found out differently. Political parties have discovered the same. And the guys who yell "FIRE" in a crowded theater.

[ggold]

The noose around freedom of speech/the press is tightening. These are ominous developments, and I'm wondering how long the free flow of opinion and information will last on this very forum.

If there's a big-ass fire burning, it makes pretty good sense to confiscate the buckets of gasoline from the people milling about the area. Regardless of whose side they're on.

So let's make sure we understand you perfectly clear. You're fully in favor of shutting down free speech and press freedom if it serves the interests of security?

Is it free speach if it insights violence between factions? Which government hasn't curtailed press freedom when needed. When you have the prospect of civil war it is time to cool things down. Especially when the TV stations are spouting propaganda.

[Fookhaht]

... "and there would be no limitation of freedom of the press"...

Except of course closing down a few tv stations.

TV stations which were properganda machines for various factions. It was the right move.

You could easily be a mouthpiece for every dictatorship on earth, past present and future.

" I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." --Voltaire

[impulse]

... "and there would be no limitation of freedom of the press"...

Except of course closing down a few tv stations.

TV stations which were properganda machines for various factions. It was the right move.

You could easily be a mouthpiece for every dictatorship on earth, past present and future.

And yet, here we are. Posting away freely.

[Fookhaht]

... "and there would be no limitation of freedom of the press"...

Except of course closing down a few tv stations.

TV stations which were properganda machines for various factions. It was the right move.

You could easily be a mouthpiece for every dictatorship on earth, past present and future.

Your philosophy is no different than that of the USA Patriot Act, which, in effect, curtailed some civil liberties in the name of security. The human rights abuses we see today, in the name of security, are a direct result of that move.

" I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." --Voltaire

Edited May 21, 2014 by Fookhaht

[Fookhaht]

... "and there would be no limitation of freedom of the press"...

Except of course closing down a few tv stations.

TV stations which were properganda machines for various factions. It was the right move.

You could easily be a mouthpiece for every dictatorship on earth, past present and future.

And yet, here we are. Posting away freely.

Yep. Enjoy it while you can.

[ggold]

... "and there would be no limitation of freedom of the press"...

Except of course closing down a few tv stations.

TV stations which were properganda machines for various factions. It was the right move.

You could easily be a mouthpiece for every dictatorship on earth, past present and future.

" I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." --Voltaire

I would defend you're rights to free speach as well. But we are not talking of mature politicians. these people are happy to spill the blood of other thais because they do not agree with the opposing side. Sometimes you have to decide which is better blood in the streets or freedom of press. Obviously you would prefer blood on the streets. Does that suit your democratic values?

[Fookhaht]

... "and there would be no limitation of freedom of the press"...

Except of course closing down a few tv stations.

TV stations which were properganda machines for various factions. It was the right move.

You could easily be a mouthpiece for every dictatorship on earth, past present and future.

" I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." --Voltaire

I would defend you're rights to free speach as well. But we are not talking of mature politicians. these people are happy to spill the blood of other thais because they do not agree with the opposing side. Sometimes you have to decide which is better blood in the streets or freedom of press. Obviously you would prefer blood on the streets. Does that suit your democratic values?

Does the style of "freedom" and "free speech" in China and North Korea suit yours?

You want to think beyond your nose in situations like this.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Fookhaht

[ggold]

... "and there would be no limitation of freedom of the press"...

Except of course closing down a few tv stations.

TV stations which were properganda machines for various factions. It was the right move.

You could easily be a mouthpiece for every dictatorship on earth, past present and future.

Your philosophy is no different than that of the USA Patriot Act, which, in effect, curtailed some civil liberties in the name of security. The human rights abuses we see today, in the name of security, are a direct result of that move.

" I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." --Voltaire

Well there you go, even the USA have done it in the past. But then the USA is a whole other story! Lets stick to what is happening here in Thailand! No need to try and confuse the issue in the name of point scoring is there?

[Fookhaht]

For hundreds of years the first thing that military juntas and dictatorships go for is the jugular of the media. Think about it.

[Fookhaht]

... "and there would be no limitation of freedom of the press"...

Except of course closing down a few tv stations.

TV stations which were properganda machines for various factions. It was the right move.

You could easily be a mouthpiece for every dictatorship on earth, past present and future.

Your philosophy is no different than that of the USA Patriot Act, which, in effect, curtailed some civil liberties in the name of security. The human rights abuses we see today, in the name of security, are a direct result of that move.

" I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." --Voltaire

Well there you go, even the USA have done it in the past. But then the USA is a whole other story! Lets stick to what is happening here in Thailand! No need to try and confuse the issue in the name of point scoring is there?

Those who ignore the mistakes of history are doomed to repeat those same mistakes.

Yes, it has a bearing on the subject at hand.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Fookhaht

[ggold]

TV stations which were properganda machines for various factions. It was the right move.

You could easily be a mouthpiece for every dictatorship on earth, past present and future.

" I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." --Voltaire

I would defend you're rights to free speach as well. But we are not talking of mature politicians. these people are happy to spill the blood of other thais because they do not agree with the opposing side. Sometimes you have to decide which is better blood in the streets or freedom of press. Obviously you would prefer blood on the streets. Does that suit your democratic values?

Does the style of "freedom" and "free speech" in China and North Korea suit yours?

You want to think beyond your nose in situations like this.

Oh dear, are we getting upset? You should listen to you're own words; think beyond your nose in situations like this.

[Fookhaht]

TV stations which were properganda machines for various factions. It was the right move.

You could easily be a mouthpiece for every dictatorship on earth, past present and future.

" I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." --Voltaire

I would defend you're rights to free speach as well. But we are not talking of mature politicians. these people are happy to spill the blood of other thais because they do not agree with the opposing side. Sometimes you have to decide which is better blood in the streets or freedom of press. Obviously you would prefer blood on the streets. Does that suit your democratic values?

Does the style of "freedom" and "free speech" in China and North Korea suit yours?

You want to think beyond your nose in situations like this.

Oh dear, are we getting upset? You should listen to you're own words; think beyond your nose in situations like this.

Sorry, no insult intended.

Sorry if the "nose" idiom was not clear to you, as you may not be a native speaker.

My point was that one has to think further out into the future extrapolations of present circumstances.

Essentially, these are the lessons of history for the future.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Fookhaht

[impulse]

Maybe the sky will fall tomorrow.

Today, I'm enjoying access to CNN, Reuters, Al Jazeera, RT, Bangkok Post, The Nation, and just about every news source that's not a blatant propaganda mouthpiece of one of the factions they're trying to bring to the table.

I'm posting freely with no fear of a knock at the door, and reading all kinds of posts that are not very favorable to the military. None of the Thais at work seem to be limited on their smartphones, either.

Is it a nervous time? Absolutely. But the sky's not falling yet. I'm betting Thailand will survive this episode, just like it's survived the last umpteen.

[Fookhaht]

TV stations which were properganda machines for various factions. It was the right move.

You could easily be a mouthpiece for every dictatorship on earth, past present and future.

" I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." --Voltaire

I would defend you're rights to free speach as well. But we are not talking of mature politicians. these people are happy to spill the blood of other thais because they do not agree with the opposing side. Sometimes you have to decide which is better blood in the streets or freedom of press. Obviously you would prefer blood on the streets. Does that suit your democratic values?

Does the style of "freedom" and "free speech" in China and North Korea suit yours?

You want to think beyond your nose in situations like this.

Oh dear, are we getting upset? You should listen to you're own words; think beyond your nose in situations like this.

By the way, if you DID understand the idiom, your diversion really has no bearing on the topic.

In debate we call this the "straw man" tactic.

If the shoe fits...nice try. (Oh no, not another obscure idiom...)

[Fookhaht]

Maybe the sky will fall tomorrow.

Today, I'm enjoying access to CNN, Reuters, Al Jazeera, RT, Bangkok Post, The Nation, and just about every news source that's not a blatant propaganda mouthpiece of one of the factions they're trying to bring to the table.

I'm posting freely with no fear of a knock at the door, and reading all kinds of posts that are not very favorable to the military. None of the Thais at work seem to be limited on their smartphones, either.

Is it a nervous time? Absolutely. But the sky's not falling yet. I'm betting Thailand will survive this episode, just like it's survived the last umpteen.

Are you aware that the Bangkok Post has already curtailed six or seven of its "take-over"/coup related controversial stories from their website? This is presumably as a result of the not-so-veiled threats to newspapers from yesterday's remarks by the general.

Possibly things aren't as rosy as you hope for. But on your last paragraph, I'm with you.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Fookhaht

[Fookhaht]

So let's make sure we understand you perfectly clear. You're fully in favor of shutting down free speech and press freedom if it serves the interests of security?

You're mistaking "free speech" with "paid advertisements".

Edit: I'll get worried when they block access to CNN, Reuters, Al Jazeera and other press not owned by one of the factions in this fight.

Mr. Semantics:

"Paid advertisements" are a subset of "free speech." Journalism 101

I believe the tobacco, liquor and pharmaceutical industries have found out differently. Political parties have discovered the same. And the guys who yell "FIRE" in a crowded theater.

Health, fire safety, and politics.

Apples and oranges.

But I grant that there are some very murky overlaps here in Thailand.

Point well taken.