Journalists campaign to stop Thai military intimidation of media

[webfact]

MEDIA INTIMIDATION
Journalists campaign to stop military intimidation of media
Asina Pornwasin
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A group of journalists has launched a campaign on social media urging the military government to stop intimidating the media after the removal of a Thai PBS host whose questioning style upset military officers.

One of the journalists involved in the campaign told The Nation that the group wanted the junta to stop intervening in the media and revoke two regulations issued by the National Council for Peace and Order - No. 97 and No. 103 - which restrict media freedom.

"We chose social media as the platform to launch this campaign because it is an easy way to widely convey messages to the junta as well as to raise public awareness of the junta's harassment of the media," the journalist said.

"The actions of the junta in the Thai PBS case reflect that the junta does not sincerely want to reform the country."

Media and human rights groups on Saturday condemned what they described as severe harassment of the media following the military pressure that resulted in public broadcaster Thai PBS removing Nattaya Wawweerakup as host of its programme 'People's Voices that Need to be Heard before the Reform'.

The Thai Journalists Association, Thai Broadcast Journalists Association and Human Rights Lawyers Association issued a joint statement criticising the junta over its intimidation of the media.

The campaign by journalists includes the slogans "To sincerely reform, do not keep people's mouths closed" and "To threaten media is to threaten the people" with hashtags #fieldjournalist and #ThaiPBSjournalist.

It also features a picture of a monkey with its ears covered and its eyes and mouth closed.

Britain's Ambassador to Thailand Mark Kent was one who retweeted "To sincerely reform, do not keep people's mouths closed".

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Journalists-campaign-to-stop-military-intimidation-30247909.html


-- The Nation 2014-11-17

[Jay Sata]

It is worth mentioning that the EU issued the following a few days ago.

The European Union Delegation issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Thailand

Bangkok, 14 November 2014 - The EU is committed to promoting and protecting the freedom of opinion and expression worldwide. The EU Delegation wishes to express its concern over the increasing misuse of criminal defamation laws in Thailand. The EU believes that defamation laws should not be misused to censor criticism and debate concerning public issues as this constitutes a serious threat to Freedom of Expression. Recent cases brought against Human Rights Defender Andy Hall, journalists Alan Morison and Chutima Sidasathian from the "Phuketwan" newspaper, and the freelance journalist Andrew Drummond, have served to demonstrate how criminal defamation laws are vexatiously used to silence freedom of expression and investigative journalism in the country. The EU would like to appeal to State authorities to fully abide by their international obligations. As part of wider reform in Thailand, we urge the National Reform Council to address this issue, so that criminal defamation laws cannot in the future be used as a means of silencing legitimate analysis or debate.

Source http://fccthai.com/items/1529.html

Foreign Correspondents Club Thailand

[NongKhaiKid]

The BP website has reported that 5 organisers of a concert and talk show to protest the NCPO's policies towards to the media were ' invited ' to a police station to be questioned and later a Pol Lt Col reported their attitudes had been ' adjusted '.

This is disgraceful and shows the junta is only interested in hearing views that comply with their criteria. So much for openness, free speech, transparency etc.

Words like ' attitude adjustment ' are more suited to regimes like China, Nth. Korea etc so ' behaviour modification ' should be next.

When can we expect publication of The Little Green Book contained the thoughts of the PM and the Junta ?

[chooka]

It is worth mentioning that the EU issued the following a few days ago.

The European Union Delegation issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Thailand

Bangkok, 14 November 2014 - The EU is committed to promoting and protecting the freedom of opinion and expression worldwide. The EU Delegation wishes to express its concern over the increasing misuse of criminal defamation laws in Thailand. The EU believes that defamation laws should not be misused to censor criticism and debate concerning public issues as this constitutes a serious threat to Freedom of Expression. Recent cases brought against Human Rights Defender Andy Hall, journalists Alan Morison and Chutima Sidasathian from the "Phuketwan" newspaper, and the freelance journalist Andrew Drummond, have served to demonstrate how criminal defamation laws are vexatiously used to silence freedom of expression and investigative journalism in the country. The EU would like to appeal to State authorities to fully abide by their international obligations. As part of wider reform in Thailand, we urge the National Reform Council to address this issue, so that criminal defamation laws cannot in the future be used as a means of silencing legitimate analysis or debate.

Source http://fccthai.com/items/1529.html

Foreign Correspondents Club Thailand

But the dear leader Mr 93.7% said the the EU is very happy with Thailand and the way things are being done. The EU supports the Junta. Someone is lying, it's either dear leader or the EU

[chooka]

It is worth mentioning that the EU issued the following a few days ago.

The European Union Delegation issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Thailand

Bangkok, 14 November 2014 - The EU is committed to promoting and protecting the freedom of opinion and expression worldwide. The EU Delegation wishes to express its concern over the increasing misuse of criminal defamation laws in Thailand. The EU believes that defamation laws should not be misused to censor criticism and debate concerning public issues as this constitutes a serious threat to Freedom of Expression. Recent cases brought against Human Rights Defender Andy Hall, journalists Alan Morison and Chutima Sidasathian from the "Phuketwan" newspaper, and the freelance journalist Andrew Drummond, have served to demonstrate how criminal defamation laws are vexatiously used to silence freedom of expression and investigative journalism in the country. The EU would like to appeal to State authorities to fully abide by their international obligations. As part of wider reform in Thailand, we urge the National Reform Council to address this issue, so that criminal defamation laws cannot in the future be used as a means of silencing legitimate analysis or debate.

Source http://fccthai.com/items/1529.html

Foreign Correspondents Club Thailand

But the dear leader Mr 93.7% said the the EU is very happy with Thailand and the way things are being done. The EU supports the Junta. Someone is lying, it's either dear leader or the EU

[seahorse]

The BP website has reported that 5 organisers of a concert and talk show to protest the NCPO's policies towards to the media were ' invited ' to a police station to be questioned and later a Pol Lt Col reported their attitudes had been ' adjusted '.

This is disgraceful and shows the junta is only interested in hearing views that comply with their criteria. So much for openness, free speech, transparency etc.

Words like ' attitude adjustment ' are more suited to regimes like China, Nth. Korea etc so ' behaviour modification ' should be next.

When can we expect publication of The Little Green Book contained the thoughts of the PM and the Junta ?

Shouldn't it be a Little Yellow Book?

It wouldn't be a very big book, either. One page - "Do what I tell you or else."

[chainarong]

All the media has to do is start a campaign outside of Thailand, in social media or get their counterparts in the west to start the ball rolling, get the relevant governments and the UN to apply pressure, they will back off , bad international publicity is not what Thailand wants, bearing in mind the media repression in place and repercussions like disappearing might follow , anyway the happiness club has everyone happy or so they say.

[smedly]

Does anyone actually have details of what this person on Thai PBS was actually asking or what the topic was

There are wheels in motion right now in Thailand and having someone on national TV attempting to derail the process and question it would not be constructive

I am against media censorship provided it doesn't cross certain lines

in the west it is a myth that people can say what ever they want or that certain organisations get a voice, there are limits and to an extent they are being tightened

Back in the day there were actually some people and some organisations that were banned from media coverage in the UK and even now there is legislation being proposed that will ban extremists or those inciting hatred from British media

we have all seen how the media in Thailand can be used as a brain washing tool for organisations with dedicated TV channels and radio stations pumping out propaganda 24/7 - such stations and programs should be banned and never allowed to air garbage like that on national TV

In the west we have party political broadcasts that are aired with restrictions coming up to elections but to have a PTP/redshirt or Dem propaganda machine running across several TV stations and local radio stations 24/7 is just wrong and everyone knows it - these types of stations should be banned as they would be in the west

[benalibina]

Seems like something positive to step up against the junta. Lets hope they get the backing of the people, who truly understand the wrongs in this country.

[Snig27]

In the west we have party political broadcasts that are aired with restrictions coming up to elections but to have a PTP/redshirt or Dem propaganda machine running across several TV stations and local radio stations 24/7 is just wrong and everyone knows it - these types of stations should be banned as they would be in the west

Except they wouldn't be banned - have you seen Fox News?

You are only one step away from burning books. Nobody is forced to watch these channels as there are countless others. In a free society the option is yours.

[wandasloan]

Does anyone actually have details of what this person on Thai PBS was actually asking or what the topic was

There are wheels in motion right now in Thailand and having someone on national TV attempting to derail the process and question it would not be constructive

I am against media censorship provided it doesn't cross certain lines

In other words, you fully support media censorship.

The military has DEMANDED people participate and provide their input to reform and the writing of a constitution. The military has DEMANDED people stop trying to provide input into their personal attempt to reshape Thailand as an imagined (and imaginary) 1950s ideal.

And you fully support censorship to help them. Well, all right then.

[toybits]

Like they say, "Be careful what you wish for. You might just get it!"

[The stuttering parrot]

So the journalist was going to talk about land reforms and that's all it took for the junta to crackdown on freedom of speech.

To top it off they rounded up 5 supporters and took them away for a little chat and the released them.

Just another attitude adjustment intimidation ploy.

Anyway don't wear gaff tape around your mouth or you will suffer the same fate as the sandwich eater.

Junta supporters on here should be absolutely ashamed.

[arrowsdawdle]

All the media has to do is start a campaign outside of Thailand, in social media or get their counterparts in the west to start the ball rolling, get the relevant governments and the UN to apply pressure, they will back off , bad international publicity is not what Thailand wants, bearing in mind the media repression in place and repercussions like disappearing might follow , anyway the happiness club has everyone happy or so they say.

Might not be a good idea to venture any closer to your balcony railing.

[arrowsdawdle]

In the west we have party political broadcasts that are aired with restrictions coming up to elections but to have a PTP/redshirt or Dem propaganda machine running across several TV stations and local radio stations 24/7 is just wrong and everyone knows it - these types of stations should be banned as they would be in the west

Except they wouldn't be banned - have you seen Fox News?

You are only one step away from burning books. Nobody is forced to watch these channels as there are countless others. In a free society the option is yours.

It's yours while it lasts. The options are dwindling.

[fab4]

Britain's Ambassador to Thailand Mark Kent was one who retweeted "To sincerely reform, do not keep people's mouths closed".

A spokesman for the junta said that the British Ambassador, Mark Kent, tweeted "People just couldn't keep their mouths shut about how sincere the reforms were"....................allegedly

Edited November 17, 2014 by fab4

[chotthee]

Does anyone actually have details of what this person on Thai PBS was actually asking or what the topic was

There are wheels in motion right now in Thailand and having someone on national TV attempting to derail the process and question it would not be constructive

I am against media censorship provided it doesn't cross certain lines

in the west it is a myth that people can say what ever they want or that certain organisations get a voice, there are limits and to an extent they are being tightened

Back in the day there were actually some people and some organisations that were banned from media coverage in the UK and even now there is legislation being proposed that will ban extremists or those inciting hatred from British media

we have all seen how the media in Thailand can be used as a brain washing tool for organisations with dedicated TV channels and radio stations pumping out propaganda 24/7 - such stations and programs should be banned and never allowed to air garbage like that on national TV

In the west we have party political broadcasts that are aired with restrictions coming up to elections but to have a PTP/redshirt or Dem propaganda machine running across several TV stations and local radio stations 24/7 is just wrong and everyone knows it - these types of stations should be banned as they would be in the west

That program is in youtube. In Thai.

I watch it. She went to the south (different part of Thailand every week) and asked what people are looking for in this reform. All have different good idea, but none say they would rather shut their brain, and let prayuth do all the thinking. That pisses the army off, I believe.

[iReason]

The BP website has reported that 5 organisers of a concert and talk show to protest the NCPO's policies towards to the media were ' invited ' to a police station to be questioned and later a Pol Lt Col reported their attitudes had been ' adjusted '.

This is disgraceful and shows the junta is only interested in hearing views that comply with their criteria. So much for openness, free speech, transparency etc.

Words like ' attitude adjustment ' are more suited to regimes like China, Nth. Korea etc so ' behaviour modification ' should be next.

When can we expect publication of The Little Green Book contained the thoughts of the PM and the Junta ?

"... behaviour modification ' should be next."

Already being done...

http://isaanrecord.com/2014/09/28/reconciliation-trainings-target-northeastern-villages/

[outsider]

Yes, dear leader and his gang should group up and be matured about things.

[chooka]

The BP website has reported that 5 organisers of a concert and talk show to protest the NCPO's policies towards to the media were ' invited ' to a police station to be questioned and later a Pol Lt Col reported their attitudes had been ' adjusted '.

This is disgraceful and shows the junta is only interested in hearing views that comply with their criteria. So much for openness, free speech, transparency etc.

Words like ' attitude adjustment ' are more suited to regimes like China, Nth. Korea etc so ' behaviour modification ' should be next.

When can we expect publication of The Little Green Book contained the thoughts of the PM and the Junta ?

"... behaviour modification ' should be next."

Already being done...

http://isaanrecord.com/2014/09/28/reconciliation-trainings-target-northeastern-villages/

anyone seen that crazy woman on nth Korean news brain washing viewers, this along the same path.

[NongKhaiKid]

The BP website has reported that 5 organisers of a concert and talk show to protest the NCPO's policies towards to the media were ' invited ' to a police station to be questioned and later a Pol Lt Col reported their attitudes had been ' adjusted '.

This is disgraceful and shows the junta is only interested in hearing views that comply with their criteria. So much for openness, free speech, transparency etc.

Words like ' attitude adjustment ' are more suited to regimes like China, Nth. Korea etc so ' behaviour modification ' should be next.

When can we expect publication of The Little Green Book contained the thoughts of the PM and the Junta ?

"... behaviour modification ' should be next."

Already being done...

http://isaanrecord.com/2014/09/28/reconciliation-trainings-target-northeastern-villages/

anyone seen that crazy woman on nth Korean news brain washing viewers, this along the same path.

What a voice, I certainly wouldn't like to be her husband trying to take an opened wage packet home !

[MrY]

It's a junta. What did you expect? That's how any junta gets s*** done. Everyone is happy to comply. Hear that? Happy. And that's what Thailand is all about. Ugh.

[Jay Sata]

Thaksin used the. Thai courts to silence his critics with numerous drawn out libel cases.

This meant those who received the writs had to post bail or face prison.

There are a number of westerners who are using the same technique to try and silence journalists exposing their scams.

[JAG]

It is worth mentioning that the EU issued the following a few days ago.

The European Union Delegation issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Thailand

Bangkok, 14 November 2014 - The EU is committed to promoting and protecting the freedom of opinion and expression worldwide. The EU Delegation wishes to express its concern over the increasing misuse of criminal defamation laws in Thailand. The EU believes that defamation laws should not be misused to censor criticism and debate concerning public issues as this constitutes a serious threat to Freedom of Expression. Recent cases brought against Human Rights Defender Andy Hall, journalists Alan Morison and Chutima Sidasathian from the "Phuketwan" newspaper, and the freelance journalist Andrew Drummond, have served to demonstrate how criminal defamation laws are vexatiously used to silence freedom of expression and investigative journalism in the country. The EU would like to appeal to State authorities to fully abide by their international obligations. As part of wider reform in Thailand, we urge the National Reform Council to address this issue, so that criminal defamation laws cannot in the future be used as a means of silencing legitimate analysis or debate.

Source http://fccthai.com/items/1529.html

Foreign Correspondents Club Thailand

But the dear leader Mr 93.7% said the the EU is very happy with Thailand and the way things are being done. The EU supports the Junta. Someone is lying, it's either dear leader or the EU

Normally I would regard any statement from the EU with, to say the least, healthy scepticism. However, in this case.....

[jollyman]

Britain's Ambassador to Thailand Mark Kent was one who retweeted "To sincerely reform, do not keep people's mouths closed"

Back to the Good old Thai Dictatorship of the 70,s, at least we know where we are!

[jollyman]

The BP website has reported that 5 organisers of a concert and talk show to protest the NCPO's policies towards to the media were ' invited ' to a police station to be questioned and later a Pol Lt Col reported their attitudes had been ' adjusted '.

This is disgraceful and shows the junta is only interested in hearing views that comply with their criteria. So much for openness, free speech, transparency etc.

Words like ' attitude adjustment ' are more suited to regimes like China, Nth. Korea etc so ' behaviour modification ' should be next.

When can we expect publication of The Little Green Book contained the thoughts of the PM and the Junta ?

Shouldn't it be a Little Yellow Book?

It wouldn't be a very big book, either. One page - "Do what I tell you or else."

Yes Yes a Yellow book is the thing good thinking

[baboon]

The BP website has reported that 5 organisers of a concert and talk show to protest the NCPO's policies towards to the media were ' invited ' to a police station to be questioned and later a Pol Lt Col reported their attitudes had been ' adjusted '.

This is disgraceful and shows the junta is only interested in hearing views that comply with their criteria. So much for openness, free speech, transparency etc.

Words like ' attitude adjustment ' are more suited to regimes like China, Nth. Korea etc so ' behaviour modification ' should be next.

When can we expect publication of The Little Green Book contained the thoughts of the PM and the Junta ?

"... behaviour modification ' should be next."

Already being done...

http://isaanrecord.com/2014/09/28/reconciliation-trainings-target-northeastern-villages/

anyone seen that crazy woman on nth Korean news brain washing viewers, this along the same path.

What a voice, I certainly wouldn't like to be her husband trying to take an opened wage packet home !

She has retired now, bless her. Perhaps she could pick up a part time gig on Thai TV to supplement her pension?

[WhamBam]

But the Junta is all about happiness. Those students and this journalist are obviously very unhappy people, hence the need for them to be taken away and re-programmed to a 'State of Happiness'.

[jpeg]

The BP website has reported that 5 organisers of a concert and talk show to protest the NCPO's policies towards to the media were ' invited ' to a police station to be questioned and later a Pol Lt Col reported their attitudes had been ' adjusted '.

This is disgraceful and shows the junta is only interested in hearing views that comply with their criteria. So much for openness, free speech, transparency etc.

Words like ' attitude adjustment ' are more suited to regimes like China, Nth. Korea etc so ' behaviour modification ' should be next.

When can we expect publication of The Little Green Book contained the thoughts of the PM and the Junta ?

"... behaviour modification ' should be next."

Already being done...

http://isaanrecord.com/2014/09/28/reconciliation-trainings-target-northeastern-villages/

omg The only bright spot in a very depressing account is poster 'Uan's' response to it. This country's screwed.

[chooka]

But the Junta is all about happiness. Those students and this journalist are obviously very unhappy people, hence the need for them to be taken away and re-programmed to a 'State of Happiness'.

The two happiest countries in the world at the moment appear to be North Korea and Thailand. Both dear leaders have extraordinary admiration at nearly 100% from thier people but Thailand tips out north Korea because the entire world loves and adores Thailand and fully supports it's actions like the coup and the attitude adjustment factories.