Thai army says will block social media over critical content

[culicine]

No constitution means no law , as of now the military will deem what is the law I expect worse is to come what I do not understand is how after two short meetings with the parties the general decides that's it we will have a coup and take control in the meantime all you guys around the table are going to prison ! I hope they do not cut the internet what a terrible thing to happen to the people of Thailand they voted in there masses for a Government only to see the opposition cause civil unrest because they want power and five years down the road it will be the same again.

There are no laws now? Are you serious? Try breaking into a gold shop, tabbing someone...etc...see what happens

That also means no government worker needs to go to work either....get real!

The military are minimising deaths and injuries by staging a coup. It doesn't matter now what was right or wrong.

Thais will quickly grwo dissent if the military clings to power for longer than required. The military knows this as well.

[thaibeachlovers]

Reply to #61

Whether it is or isn't, it's nothing to do with ANY non Thai, so let's stay out of that, or TV may get closed down in LOS.

[rijit]

To clamp down on those who incite violence is the most reasonable restriction imposed. In fact, that should always be in force. Part of the problem over the years is that some openly advocated violence. It had to stop, as it would have had to stop in any civil society. Doubtless this new state of affairs feels strange. But the positive results of it are this - the violence has stopped. The rallies have been peacefully dispersed. There are no more fiery speeches. Legislatively, the most positive development is that the Senate will indeed be functioning. As well as the courts. That was made clear in a recent army communique. The first stage of the coup enactment is clearly to secure control. Once that has been established a clearer picture will emerge. For the Senate to be functioning therefore is highly encouraging, and may provide clues as to a future path. Before this coup was called, Prayuth suggested a three-point path : 1) the caretaker cabinet would resign, 2) an interim government would be formed, and 3) both the UDD and PDRC would end their rallies. Two of these have already occurred. Therefore, a path towards an interim government remains. The PDRC is jubilant, because they are confident that an interim government will endeavour to conduct reform. Other parties are cautiously optimistic that an effort to reach a true consensus among the parties will take place. The Senate in recent days already confirmed that commitment to find a consensus that would be acceptable to all. If that happens, it will truly be an exciting beginning. As of yesterday, the Thaksin strings were severed. What remains is the healing process, consensus building, and bringing the Thai people - from all parts of the country - together. A recent poll indicated that 75.9 % of Thai people supported martial law. Whether or not that was an accurate reflection of public sentiment, that figure is not easily achieved even in the history of Thai poll taking. The public has had enough of the bickering. They want it to settle down. With a coup now imposed, the Thai people if anything will want even more the bickering to stop and things to settle down. These polls over recent months have shown a marked decrease in partisan affiliation - to a rather astonishing degree - and reflect more of a uniformity that things simply had to cool. And they have. The climate is now set for sober discussion, and there is room for a new hope.

Until Thaksins next 'puppet' gets voted in.

[VINCENT2012]

in my opinion they should not close the internet media who his going to criticized them even if they dont like what some says against them.

it looks like the thai military department, very respected in thailand from the thais have a diferent role than we are used to abroad, and in case of political crisis...it looks like they act like a referee does against 2 band of bad boys fighting in a school to protect the majority.

it looks like .....they did not make a coup d'etat to get the power of the country but to protect the population against terorist attack from red or yellow or what ever.

i am against all kinf of despotism but in that peculiar situation i think all thai , perhaps also foreigners living in thailand should be on their side..and perhaps help them to get rid of that coruption system who is going to ruin thailand at the end.

for sure i hope General Prayut Chan-O-Cha will continue in that direction (protecting people against bad minds)and restore democracy one way or another too..... asap.

thailand and thais deserve it for sure!

Edited May 23, 2014 by VINCENT2012

[Frank James]

Let's have the sports channels back on.

How can watching the Champions League final, English Championship playoff final, English League 1 playoff final, the Monaco GP, and the French Open tennis, all due to be shown this weekend, be critical of the new Military government ?

And the Thailand Ladies Volleyball Team are playing in a tournament right now in Vietnam. Watched them beat China the other day. That's always a good thing. This is a fresh young team with only Thatdao and Pornpun on deck from last year's fine all-time best squad. Where are Pleumjit, Onuma, Jackie, Bamee, Nootsara, Wilavan, and Malika? Still playing Euro Pro Leagues? It's good to see Coach K bringing up this young team. In these troubled times, this is something that all Thais (and farang fans) can rally around.

[61guitarman61]

Oh dear. Now what do you feel about the coup?

Anyone inciting violence should be dealt with harshly.

I think inciting violence should be stopped but they might be shooting themselves in the foot by banning criticism.

Depends WHO it is that is criticizing. As foreigners, does it seem appropriate to stand about as though we own the place and start to throw out criticism?

Edited May 23, 2014 by 61guitarman61

[Jonmarleesco]

The armed forces do need to reconsider their approach to PR. They can't dictate to social networks beyond Thailand, so they should create an opportunity to provide some input, and some influence.

[bigbamboo]

Lese militaire........?

[Asiantravel]

Apart from the fact that I haven't heard a single positive comment from the international community I am quite surprised that with all the television channels being off the air that the Bangkok Post is still being allowed to publish. There is a rather critical write-up in the opinion column today about this coup which quite honestly surprised me that they would be able to get away with writing it.

[tullynagardy]

Wow this is just another great step in REAL democracy us yellow cheerleaders on here have wanted all along.

None of that Thaskin Kleptocracy, Just a good old fashioned military dictatorship, which of course is better than what we had before. (man in Dubai, vote rigging bla bla bla ad nauseaum)

I wonder how many on here are thinking "wow maybe i <deleted> up on my thinking on this" Even the right wing sex pats (who makes up the bulk of the pro PDRC cheerleaders) are reeling that their beloved beer bars close at 10.

[lardyboy]

the army is doing whats necessary to maintain peace and order. lets support them. its for the good of the country and the people. imagine a world with no more corruption and exploitation. long live the king. love you long time

[Gimbo]

The military don't play about. What would you expect them to do once they've taken over - dress up as ladyboys and post selfies?

At least something like this:

[Malthus101]

The step was taken to ensure the release of "accurate news to the people," an army spokesman said in a televised announcement.

Yes, because mainstream news is always the most unbiased and accurate.

[gp2002]

TURN THE TV CHANNELS BACK ON!!!!!!!!

Because you never know.............something negative might get said during a baseball game from the USA or during a movie being played on HBO.

[max72]

Saying the "Powerful armed forces" .... powerful, omnipotent, divine creatures......

They are children minds in grown up bodies....

Sure that when you have thousands of weapons and tanks and shoot to women and children, you feel "powerful", don't you ?

I guess they won't feel so powerful in front of a Court in The Hague.....

[SparklingCascades]

How do we know what is breaking the law when the constitution has been suspended? What is the law now?

The constitution has been suspended.

Criminal law, civil law and of course common sense have not been suspended. Do something reckless if you want to test it.

Your 'confusion' can cause sane readers a daily constitutional.

[gp2002]

How do we know what is breaking the law when the constitution has been suspended? What is the law now?

The constitution has been suspended.

Criminal law, civil law and of course common sense have not been suspended. Do something reckless if you want to test it.

Your 'confusion' can cause sane readers a daily constitutional.

Common sense?? In Thailand??

[larsjohnsson]

Oh dear. Now what do you feel about the coup?

Anyone inciting violence should be dealt with harshly.

I think inciting violence should be stopped but they might be shooting themselves in the foot by banning criticism.

Depends WHO it is that is criticizing. As foreigners, does it seem appropriate to stand about as though we own the place and start to throw out criticism?

Criticism is banned for both foreigners and Thai people

[star kicker]

the turkish government tried this a few months ago and ended up looking like idiots - the same way the thai military will.

basically the powers that be who make such treats dont understand the technology, users will work around any blocks as they did in turkey leaving the law makers with egg on their face.

i guess the thai military dont watch the news or they would know this already..

[Fat Haggis]

Both Michael Yons facebook pages have been taken down, he was an avid PDRC supporter, but last night he pissed he sheeple followers off, by posting a picture from Aksa road, and they started going mental, and demanded he delete it, in fairness he didn't ... till the pressure obviously got to him, and knowing he needs them for "donations"

So there appears to have been some censorship within social media website beginning ??

[Rimmer]

A speculative post and reply to it removed

[Fat Haggis]

His main page is back up now, it appears it was suspended for identity verification, which he has obviously verified it's his page.

[max72]

22 May 2014: A historical day for Thailand and the Southeast Asia. For the first time, Thailand officially becomes more repressive than Myanmar (where coming by-elections will see the triumph with 80-90% of the Aung Suu Kyi Party).

Maybe Gen. Prayuth should feel proud of that: he shows to the world the Thainess and the Thai "superiority" of the "powerful army" :

Edited May 23, 2014 by max72

[max72]

Criticism is banned for both foreigners and Thai people

Yes, there is no racism or discrimination for that point ....everybody (Thai, farang, black, white, fat, thin) worth the same in front of the law: zero.

Seriously, it is true criminal and civil codes have not been suspended, but the army's powers can supersede them. So it's better not to defy the powerful army and let's hope Khun Prayuth will decide, before its coming retirement, to do something for all Thais and not just for a small elite.

I doubt that, but let's hope a glimpse of light will shine the darkness of Thailand. Thais have suffered too much already.

[connda]

I don't care if they cut it all off. I've got books to read.

[RobertoOzman]

Will someone please tell the General, that by ordering The Navy to overtake control of Pattaya Police Force, and detaining The Pattaya Police Chief and the Chief's wife, because she has, or had affiliations with the Red Shirts, he(The General) is showing a distinct bias toward the democrats!

The General's actions would seem to be of suspicion, rather than fact, and has needlessly placed a Curfew on Pattaya, seriously harming Thailand's Economy, and disappointing thousands of holidaying tourists!

Now that The General has showed his 'muscle', he might now be prepared to show some common sense!

[MJP]

Is Skype still working? It's our kids' birthday on the 31st and I can't be there due to being trapped on a demolition site.

Edited May 23, 2014 by MJP

[Piichai]

Will someone please tell the General, that by ordering The Navy to overtake control of Pattaya Police Force, and detaining The Pattaya Police Chief and the Chief's wife, because she has, or had affiliations with the Red Shirts, he(The General) is showing a distinct bias toward the democrats!

The General's actions would seem to be of suspicion, rather than fact, and has needlessly placed a Curfew on Pattaya, seriously harming Thailand's Economy, and disappointing thousands of holidaying tourists!

Now that The General has showed his 'muscle', he might now be prepared to show some common sense!

The coup is country-wide.

Do you have any idea how many buildings have been seized or searched? Do you really think Prayuth is micromanaging this on a building to building basis? And in every jangwat in the country?

Hard to believe.

[wabothai]

so if i understand it correctly, when i am critical of the junta i will be arrested. so, mai poot.

[wandasloan]

No constitution means no law , as of now the military will deem what is the law I expect worse is to come what I do not understand is how after two short meetings with the parties the general decides that's it we will have a coup and take control in the meantime all you guys around the table are going to prison ! I hope they do not cut the internet what a terrible thing to happen to the people of Thailand they voted in there masses for a Government only to see the opposition cause civil unrest because they want power and five years down the road it will be the same again.

In that case, just grab a couple of ATMs, take them home, take your time opening them up because it's quite legal. And buy a gun (completely legal now) and head down to the bank row in the mall and make a few withdrawals. Drive in the right-hand lane on the expressway on the way there, there's no law. And don't forget food. Take a couple of baskets at TescoLotus, fill them and head home. The baskets are free now, and of course so is the food since there's no such thing as stealing any more.

Let us know how much you're clearing per day in this new society without any laws and no law enforcement. I'm really chicken-hearted and have no ambition, I'm just going to keep obeying the old laws, just like they were still valid.

so if i understand it correctly, when i am critical of the junta i will be arrested. so, mai poot.

The purpose of the regulations is not mass arrests or mass surveillance. They exist just in case they are needed. When they want to dump someone in the black hole, and they can't come up with a reason, they've got this reason.

RobertoOzman, on 23 May 2014 - 21:28, said:

Will someone please tell the General, that by ordering The Navy to overtake control of Pattaya Police Force, and detaining The Pattaya Police Chief and the Chief's wife, because she has, or had affiliations with the Red Shirts, he(The General) is showing a distinct bias toward the democrats!

Question: What do you think is the purpose of this military coup?

.

Edited May 24, 2014 by wandasloan