'Technical glitch' blamed for Facebook blocking: Thailand

[sz1a]

Oh god, we're screwed. People can't survive without Facebook for 30 minutes. It's a good indication of what the future generation is going to be like.

[IBoldnewguy]

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised - Wikipedia

Nor will it be on the internet.

But that was not the case with facebook being down in Thailand. The military did not do it.

Facebook is Down in Several Countries Worldwide

http://thenextweb.com/facebook/2012/10/11/facebook-apparently-down-in-several-countries-worldwide-including-italy-germany-france-and-more/

The dates on that link are 2012 - not 5/2014....

[PilotEd]

When is the NCPO going to allow CNN, BBC etc. to come through?

I can still get world news via internet so the ban is ineffectual.

However, I still like to see the videos of events around the world.

They can always block segments they feel harm their progress.

[T_Dog]

I don't think we will ever know the real story on this. The Bangkok Post still has an article on their website that the MICT secretary Surachai Srisarakam said he had received an order from the coup makers to temporarily deny access to Facebook. Did the technical glitch beat them to it?

[petedk]

"A 6.1-magnitude quake could not match the chaos when people could not access Facebook for 30 minutes," posted user Insee."

Insee, you could not be more wrong. Please get a life.

It may come as shock to some, or many, that there are those of us who get along very well without Zuckerberg's monster. Frankenstein would be proud of him, or perhaps I should say Mary Shelley would. I'm quite sure that I, and Mary, would be far more affected by an earthquake, while ZB and his followers would themselves be quaking because they can't send the latest selfie to their 506 'friends'.

I come from a generation that actually talks to people around a dinner table and don't take photos of my meal to send to 'friends'. It's like religion I suppose, a choice. One man's meat......

I agree with you in the fact that probably 99% of Thais use FB as you mention above but there are some of us who actually use Facebook for business.

I know several people who would be hit hard economically if Facebook were to be blocked completely in Thailand.

I, myself , use it for business and never post stupid photos of food or comments about where I am.

Edited May 29, 2014 by petedk

[daveAustin]

Shows however what a pathetic bunch humans have become when something like is such a huge thing in their lives.

Those that think Facebook has no economic value are truly lost. The primary social networking tool of the Internet is now an integral part of the economy.

I must have missed the bit where they mentioned economic value, poster you quoted was likely remarking on how shallow it makes some people and I agree.

Indeed, for those that rely on it for business, it's a great tool, while for those that cannot do without it for 'one minute' (as in the article)--you know, the type that is on there perpetually--it is a bit sad. Whatever happened to making model airplanes and playing in the woods?

[IBoldnewguy]

Now if that had happened a few weeks back it would have been blamed on Suthep.

Shows however what a pathetic bunch humans have become when something like is such a huge thing in their lives.

Those that think Facebook has no economic value are truly lost. The primary social networking tool of the Internet is now an integral part of the economy.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

But not for the moronic posts that appear by the second on there, I really dont want to know when you just had a sh*t or were buying guava or yet another selfie, 90% mindless crap 10% useful.

That 10% might be an overestimation - I read a study that stated that no matter how many hundreds of FB friends - the average user only communicated with 2 to 6 other users on a regular basis. I came across the name Farcebook somewhere.... thought it fit.... Regardless, I opened and closed FB acount 2011.... "much ado about nothing" as far as I'm concerned. No offense to the business users.... that's a different matter where my experience doesn't count.... Best regards....

Edited May 29, 2014 by IBoldnewguy

[dominique355]

Well assuming that a certain aspect of my post was not appreciated from a few minutes ago, ...

To say it nicey, nicey... It can be assumed that yesterday's act served as an intimidation tactic and serious warning to the dear people in Thailand...

(Should I post it any nicer???)

Agreed, but it could also be understood as a serious warning for the NCPO. Thai people may agree on the surface with NCPO, but that tolerance is only skin deep and lasts as long as it does not negatively affect them personally.

Already the NCPO had to reduce the curfew because it affected the lives of too many. Shut down social media and the honeymoon is over! NCPO should take the reaction of Thai people to the shut-down of Facebook (accidentally or manipulated) as a warning.

People want to know what is happening out there. As long as all foreign TV news media are blocked by NCPO, people are forced to use whatever media is left to satisfy their thirst for information.

[AntiWinter]

FB was down, it's now back up. No big deal OMG.

Anyone else here remember writing letters and sending then across sea and it took 2 weeks?

I use FB bit will also say that it is the anti Christ.

[bkkgooner]

"Jatuporn Promphan told the media that he and the NCPO had agreed to jointly lead the country to democracy. He also said all red shirts and former MPs were treated well in detention. He also called on the red shirts to help push the country forward."

Interesting; He can read the writing on the wall. Pity some dumb TV posters can't. This is no ordinary coup. Go, General. Your timing & Intel have been excellent so far. And if what happened to FB yesterday was actually a "test", then I would have to say, it was successful too.

Every coup in Thai history has led to a more divided country and no real improvement for the nation. There is no reason to believe that this coup is somehow going to change Thailand for the better.

I can not see any evidence of Jatuporn saying this to the media as well could you give us a link please? All that he has said he wishes no repeat of the 2010 violence and that he will not go against the conditions of his release.

Really impressed to see people out at Victory Monument every day protesting against the coup despite Prayuth's little threats of harsh action against them.

[NomadJoe]

I am amazed that anyone actually thought it was a genuine attempt to block Facebook.

I am amazed you think it isn't. What evidence do you have it isn't? The other big English speaking paper is running a story in which the permanent secretary of the ICT, Surachai Srisarakam said he received orders from the NCPO to temporarily deny access to Facebook during this time. And facebook itself was working fine during this time.

There is no doubt it was at minimum due to some preparations and testing the ICT is doing for when and if they do decide to shut it down. The reason given for the outage makes no sense. If a "gateway" is lost, then it affects all traffic, not a single site.

[DLock]

Now if that had happened a few weeks back it would have been blamed on Suthep.

Shows however what a pathetic bunch humans have become when something like is such a huge thing in their lives.

You mean like when there is an election or curfew and Thai Visa's finest panic at not being able to buy beer for 24 hours?

Shows however what a pathetic bunch humans have become when something like is such a huge thing in their lives.

[fab4]

Now if that had happened a few weeks back it would have been blamed on Suthep.

Shows however what a pathetic bunch humans have become when something like is such a huge thing in their lives.

Unless you use it for business, but I suppose you don't really care about the "little people".

@Hui_Nation, who runs a bakery business via Facebook, said her page was her shop. "I use Facebook to take orders and sell cakes. Why do you shut it down? I use it for earning," she posted.

[siampolee]

fab4 post 43.

Unless you use it for business, but I suppose you don't really care about the "little people".

All rather like the Shinwatras and Yinglucks attitude then isn't it?

[rubl]

Now if that had happened a few weeks back it would have been blamed on Suthep.

Shows however what a pathetic bunch humans have become when something like is such a huge thing in their lives.

Unless you use it for business, but I suppose you don't really care about the "little people".

@Hui_Nation, who runs a bakery business via Facebook, said her page was her shop. "I use Facebook to take orders and sell cakes. Why do you shut it down? I use it for earning," she posted.

Facebook: an online social networking service

Strictly speaking you're not really supposed to take orders and sell things via facebook.

[keemapoot]

Now if that had happened a few weeks back it would have been blamed on Suthep.

Shows however what a pathetic bunch humans have become when something like is such a huge thing in their lives.

Unless you use it for business, but I suppose you don't really care about the "little people".

@Hui_Nation, who runs a bakery business via Facebook, said her page was her shop. "I use Facebook to take orders and sell cakes. Why do you shut it down? I use it for earning," she posted.

Facebook: an online social networking service

Strictly speaking you're not really supposed to take orders and sell things via facebook.

That's true strictly speaking, but especially in Thailand, there is a huge underground economy of small and start-up businesses that use it for their online showroom and to take orders. It's an important part of many SME's income.

Additionally, a lot of educators and students use it for communicating too. It's not just for selfies.

Edited May 29, 2014 by keemapoot

[djjamie]

Now if that had happened a few weeks back it would have been blamed on Suthep.

Shows however what a pathetic bunch humans have become when something like is such a huge thing in their lives.

Unless you use it for business, but I suppose you don't really care about the "little people".

@Hui_Nation, who runs a bakery business via Facebook, said her page was her shop. "I use Facebook to take orders and sell cakes. Why do you shut it down? I use it for earning," she posted.

I suppose you don't really care about the "little people".

For the time being we will have a zero tolerance policy towards:

- Abusive behaviour towards others.

You don't learn. Show some respect.

Would it be too hard to say "Unless you use it for business….." or are you trying to get a bite out of others that lead to a forum cluttered up with senseless fighting.

Respect forum rules.

[rubl]

Facebook: an online social networking service

Strictly speaking you're not really supposed to take orders and sell things via facebook.

That's true strictly speaking, but especially in Thailand, there is a huge underground economy of small and start-up businesses that use it for their online showroom and to take orders. It's an important part of many SME's income.

Additionally, a lot of educators and students use it for communicating too. It's not just for selfies.

"Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as friends, exchange messages, and receive automatic notifications when they update their profile. Additionally, users may join common-interest user groups, organized by workplace, school or college, or other characteristics, and categorize their friends into lists such as "People From Work" or "Close Friends"."

Now that seems to include 'educator/student' usergroups, but not commercial interest groups.

Mind you when your business depends on the misuse of certain free services you are on shaky grounds.

[Artisi]

Wow...... in 37 minutes the junta organized and had a meeting with the providers

Would have taken 37 high level meetings for the previous government to ever consider organising something - that's of course if there was any thing in it for them.

Go military - doing a good job so far.

[Bluespunk]

Now if that had happened a few weeks back it would have been blamed on Suthep.

Shows however what a pathetic bunch humans have become when something like is such a huge thing in their lives.

Those that think Facebook has no economic value are truly lost. The primary social networking tool of the Internet is now an integral part of the economy.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

But not for the moronic posts that appear by the second on there, I really dont want to know when you just had a sh*t or were buying guava or yet another selfie, 90% mindless crap 10% useful.

10%? You're being very generous.

[keemapoot]

Facebook: an online social networking service

Strictly speaking you're not really supposed to take orders and sell things via facebook.

That's true strictly speaking, but especially in Thailand, there is a huge underground economy of small and start-up businesses that use it for their online showroom and to take orders. It's an important part of many SME's income.

Additionally, a lot of educators and students use it for communicating too. It's not just for selfies.

"Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as friends, exchange messages, and receive automatic notifications when they update their profile. Additionally, users may join common-interest user groups, organized by workplace, school or college, or other characteristics, and categorize their friends into lists such as "People From Work" or "Close Friends"."

Now that seems to include 'educator/student' usergroups, but not commercial interest groups.

Mind you when your business depends on the misuse of certain free services you are on shaky grounds.

Very true, but bootstrapping a startup is no different in Thailand than anywhere. There is never enough money to do it right, so you improvise. I know of several now successful businesses that did use "misuse" facebook to get their businesses launched. And, that is still true today, many cash-strapped (and flush) small businesses use facebook as their homepage for business, even if it was launched under a personal identity.

[mania]

Strictly speaking you're not really supposed to take orders and sell things via facebook.

Of course but that is not to say you cannot have a presence there to advertise

all you sell with a link to a website/phone number/email

which can take orders & sell

Even Amazon does so

https://www.facebook.com/Amazon?ref=br_tf

[keemapoot]

Strictly speaking you're not really supposed to take orders and sell things via facebook.

Of course but that is not to say you cannot have a presence there to advertise

all you sell with a link to a website/phone number/email

which can take orders & sell

Even Amazon does so

https://www.facebook.com/Amazon?ref=br_tf

It's amazing the work-arounds that clever Facebook users have developed to sell to customers. It goes way beyond advertising.

[mania]

It's amazing the work-arounds that clever Facebook users have developed to sell to customers. It goes way beyond advertising.

That is the thing........

Looking at the really successful companies & I see

how they mine all customers they can.

They use all tools available

I cannot fault them & agree it is a smart tactic.

Sales has always been such a game. The more you reach

the better your odds

For Thai businesses I see they use FB more than websites

as it is

1-free

2- effective

Edited May 29, 2014 by mania

[rubl]

Strictly speaking you're not really supposed to take orders and sell things via facebook.

Of course but that is not to say you cannot have a presence there to advertise

all you sell with a link to a website/phone number/email

which can take orders & sell

Even Amazon does so

https://www.facebook.com/Amazon?ref=br_tf

It's amazing the work-arounds that clever Facebook users have developed to sell to customers. It goes way beyond advertising.

Just to be sure, I have nothing against people using facebook in this way.

I was just remarking to another posters comment about "Unless you use it for business, but I suppose you don't really care about the "little people".

If you 'misuse' a service you may complain of course, but seeking alternatives and using them in parallel seems a better approach when your business is on a tight monetary budget.

[Fat Haggis]

There's a lot of things you're not supposed to do on any social media network sites, but it still goes on, there's no point in getting upset about it, it's no more an inconvenience than having to listen to someones mobile phone call on a train!!

[wandasloan]

It may come as shock to some, or many, that there are those of us who get along very well without Zuckerberg's monster. [snip] [snip]

comma says a man who requires a website forum to get his message out. Irony, thou has changed thy name to freebyrd.

Also, everyone here should watch his "mouth". The patriots who seized power to direct us to a better Thailand are VERY active on Facebook, and were (as you can see from the name of the wall) even before the actual coup. If you know what's good for you, you will praise those who make the correct and nation-loving use of this marvelous website called Facebook.

Whoops, forgot the link:

https://www.facebook.com/PeaceandOrderMaintainingCommand

Edited May 29, 2014 by wandasloan

[useronthenet]

My word, are there no limits at which the Junta is prepared to go to silence it's critics ?

It is evident the Junta is trying to blanket and censor it's own citizens with it own form of propaganda in trying to legitimize their actions. However, blocking social media will not abate the nation, but rather exacerbate the whole situation of public discontent. They already announced that the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is to further introduce a mechanism of monitoring its citizens in quite a profound manner, which is generally perceived as a step backwards into the 'dark ages' of repression.

It is worrying that the Authorities feel the need to clamp down on freedom of self-expression, by doing so could bring about a far greater revolt never seen before.

[Baerboxer]

Such a different story to what is in the press outside of Thailand on this issue

Any links?

The BBC report it as a gateway problem,

[Rumblecat]

Strictly speaking you're not really supposed to take orders and sell things via facebook.

Of course but that is not to say you cannot have a presence there to advertise

all you sell with a link to a website/phone number/email

which can take orders & sell

Even Amazon does so

https://www.facebook.com/Amazon?ref=br_tf

It's amazing the work-arounds that clever Facebook users have developed to sell to customers. It goes way beyond advertising.

Just to be sure, I have nothing against people using facebook in this way.

I was just remarking to another posters comment about "Unless you use it for business, but I suppose you don't really care about the "little people".

If you 'misuse' a service you may complain of course, but seeking alternatives and using them in parallel seems a better approach when your business is on a tight monetary budget.

It's not really about work arounds because it's something Facebook actively encourages. Promote and sell your product via Facebook. That's why you can pay for posts to promoted, that's why 'page insight' data exists, that's why the Facebook business pages give specific tips on increasing online sales.

But it is used for business. I'm not understanding people who say using Facebook for business is a 'misuse'. It's one of the things they actively encourage it to be used for. That's why you can pay for posts to be promoted. It's why there's the 'page insights' data available for business people, they've even got specific tips and advice on increasing online sales via Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/business/overview