UN Expert slams PM's threat to media

[Godders]

How many posters concerned about the sweeping powers granted Article 44 are aware that similar authoritarian measures have been in force for years in that crucible of democracy and freedom we know as the United States of America.

Under the Patriot Act and other "anti-terrorist" laws and regulations framed in the wake of 911, any resident US citizen or foreigner can be arrested without charge, taken to a secret location, incarcerated indefinitely and tortured to discover if they have links with insurgents.

Suspects seized by security services can be held incommunicado for months, or even years, and denied all contact with loved ones or any legal representation.

Then there is the dreadful irony that the President of the world's largest democracy personally chooses individual targets from lists of alleged enemies of the US overseas to be "neutralised" by drone strikes?

At least one US citizen is among the numerous casualties of this ongoing programme of extra-judicial killings which, in a classic case of guilt by association, resulted in the the alleged terrorist's 16-year-old student son also being blown to pieces.

Many Westerners are probably unaware of these grim facts. For some reason our mass media, while quick to condemn human rights abuses by unpopular regimes in relatively unimportant geographical backwaters, largely ignores ongoing gross violations by the world's self-styled champion of freedom and democracy.

[Fat Haggis]

The subject is about Thailand not the US of you want to make comparisons start another topic, in case you hadn't noticed the name of the forum is Thai Visa, not America Visa ?

It never takes long for one of the kool aid drinkers to start making comparisons to Thakin either.

Who cares about Thaksin, he's past history, the past cannot be changed but the future can, but not until you let go of the past.

There's also lots of people on this forum unaware of Godwin's law too, I'm not going to explain it, Google it.

[Suffinator]

A UNITED Nations expert on freedom of expression, David Kaye, yesterday urged Thailand to distance itself from the prime minister's intimidating statements against freedom of press, and take immediate measures to allow space for debate and freedom of expression.

Simple solution ... SANCTIONS!

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said recently that journalists who criticised him or "caused divisions" could be "executed", and that he enjoyed "the power to close down the media, arrest people, or order people to be shot".

And this coming from someone who now has absolute power without oversight or restraint.

"There is no sense that General Prayuth spoke in jest," the expert said. "But even if he did, the idea that the killing of journalists - let alone shutting down of media - can be a laughing matter is reprehensible."

He should have continued and pointed out that freedom of the press are the very pillars of democracy and ultimately do not allow politicians to act in a subversive manner for their own personal gain.

[Commerce]

A UNITED Nations expert on freedom of expression, David Kaye, yesterday urged Thailand to distance itself from the prime minister's intimidating statements against freedom of press, and take immediate measures to allow space for debate and freedom of expression.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said recently that journalists who criticised him or "caused divisions" could be "executed", and that he enjoyed "the power to close down the media, arrest people, or order people to be shot".

...

And what about the PM's right to 'freedom of expression'? If anyone in the media took his 'death threats' seriously, maybe they lack an adult grasp of the nuances of language such as sarcasm and irony.

Along the same lines, how old is Mr. Kaye BTW? He sounds like a kid as well.

His freedom of expression to take away everybody else's freedom is sarcasm and irony? The irony is that idiotic childlike people have fallen for it. How old are you, by the way?

Me? Old enough to remember Danny Kaye.

Now he was really childlike. What's your excuse?

Shut up son, and eat your meat. If you don't eat your meat, you can't have any pudding.

[Tatsujin]

It makes zero difference what any non-Thai says ... Thai's aren't listening and don't care anyway, the non-Thai's opinions or thoughts don't count.

Until such time as there are some serious "consequences" or "actions" they'll simply continue to tell people to mind their own business, until then, the USA, UK, UN et all will continue sucking up to Thailand, business as usual. Lots of talk, next to zero real action.

The only countries Thailand will soon learn they cannot ignore or piss off are China and Japan ... their's going to be some big slapdowns coming to Thailand very soon, and I think Japan quite recently put the "PM" here firmly back in his place when he visited Japan.

[NanLaew]

And what about the PM's right to 'freedom of expression'? If anyone in the media took his 'death threats' seriously, maybe they lack an adult grasp of the nuances of language such as sarcasm and irony.

Along the same lines, how old is Mr. Kaye BTW? He sounds like a kid as well.

When you start defending a man for threatenging to execute journalists and granting himself absolute power, you have lost the argument, buddy.

Buddy? Why, thanks!

Maybe the PM should adopt the Thaksin red terrorist method and launch a few grenades into the crowd - right ? he might even score bonus points and murder a few children nearby followed by rapturist cheering by red leaders and PTP government ministers on the stage of a red rally as we all witnessed last year

I think the PM throwing out a few distasteful jokes pales in significance

Lets not forget what we had in this country before the junta restored some semblance of law and order and stopped the rot

They aren't jokes he threw out, they were threats to any journalist doing their job. Have you even read accounts outside of TV? You're barely informed, it sounds like. Don't forget to mention that he's now voted himself permanent, absolute power.

In other words, your whole argument all along that none of this was going to happen, has been proven false. Instead of showing the character to pause and look at that, you're doubling down on propaganda. I think that shows very poor character on your part.

I do love it when people on the 'same side' start pulling each others hair, don't you?

[geriatrickid]

And what about the PM's right to 'freedom of expression'? If anyone in the media took his 'death threats' seriously, maybe they lack an adult grasp of the nuances of language such as sarcasm and irony.

Along the same lines, how old is Mr. Kaye BTW? He sounds like a kid as well.

Freedom of expression does not include making death threats.

The issue of a head of government being obliged to act responsibly has been discussed at length in the forum. The acting PM spoke inappropriately and embarrassed himself and Thailand when he made the statement. It was inexcusable and is considered to be unacceptable in the civilized world. Even thugs like Vlad the Invader Putin don't make these types of comments.

Why question the age of Professor Kaye when you could have looked up his biography and seen that he is internationally respected and an expert in his field? Why the useless attempt to denigrate the gentleman? Is it because you had nothing intelligent to write? If you disagree with the professor's statement then make a reasoned rebuttal, or is that beyond your cognitive ability?

Mr Kaye is clinical professor of law at the University of California, Irvine, School of Law. He teaches international human rights law and international humanitarian law and directs a clinic in international justice. His research and writing focus on accountability for serious human rights abuses and the law governing use of force. He has collaborated with local and national governments, major international NGOs as well as those at the grassroots, international organizations, and academic institutions around the world.

He has also published numerous research essays and opinion pieces on international human rights law related issues in a wide range of specialised reviews and mainstream publications. His most recent publications include: Archiving Justice: Conceptualizing the Archives of the ICTY, Journal of Archival Science (2014); Stealth Multilateralism: U.S. Foreign Policy Without Treaties – or the Senate, Foreign Affairs (2013); Human Rights Prosecutors? The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, International Justice, and the Example of Syria (book chapter) (2013); State Execution of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 3 U.C. Irvine Law Reviews 95 (2013).

In addition to his teaching and research, he has lectured around the world, including at the United Nations and the International Criminal Court. He has taught courses in public international law, international humanitarian law and human rights at Georgetown University, Whittier Law School, and summer courses at the Universities of Toulouse and Amsterdam. He co-founded the International Human Rights Program of the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law, and founded its International Justice Clinic, working on projects dealing with accountability for international crimes around the world. Mr Kaye began his legal career as a lawyer with the U.S. Department of State.

Mr Kaye has served on numerous local, national, and international boards over the course of career. He has been an active member of the American Society of International Law, for which he served on its Executive Council and Executive Committee, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

[geriatrickid]

It makes zero difference what any non-Thai says ... Thai's aren't listening and don't care anyway, the non-Thai's opinions or thoughts don't count.

Until such time as there are some serious "consequences" or "actions" they'll simply continue to tell people to mind their own business, until then, the USA, UK, UN et all will continue sucking up to Thailand, business as usual. Lots of talk, next to zero real action.

The only countries Thailand will soon learn they cannot ignore or piss off are China and Japan ... their's going to be some big slapdowns coming to Thailand very soon, and I think Japan quite recently put the "PM" here firmly back in his place when he visited Japan.

Your points are valid, but I would suggest that the old adage of giving someone enough rope to hang himself applies. Although China and Japan are important, the Thai economy is dependent upon exports and access to capital from the "west". Without access to North American and EU markets, Thailand's economy would quickly collapse. In order for the EU to move forward with sanctions, it needs to build a case. Threatening journalists, harassing German human rights workers, inappropriate labour practices in the seafood industry etc. are small on their own, but the cumulative impact is such that Thailand is slowly moving to pariah status. The harassment of journalists is nothing new as demonstrated by the situation with Phuketwan, and the incorrigibility of Thai labour practices was illustrated by the Natural Fruit v. Andy Hall case. As more of the incidents occur, Thailand's government will back itself into a corner.

There are ways to send a message to Thailand without a full blown diplomatic tiff. We are seeing it now with the airline safety issue. Japan moved quickly before there was even an official report circulated. The EU can easily restrict seafood imports on the basis of non compliance with EU labour practices. The US can impose additional food quality inspections based upon the past history of quality issues with Thai rice and seafood imports. There isn't much one can do to protest such moves when they are substantiated, but they can pressure the Thais where they will pay attention, in the wallet.

[JOC]

by the way I've just had my freedom of expression deleted

No, that is called cleaning the toilet........................

[EnglishJohn]

I read plenty about people hypothesising what Prayuth could do and then half inferring he will.

Yet I have never read a single thing saying that he actually did any of those things.

When the opposition starts getting murdered (like so many of Thaksins critics) then I might change my mind about his ethics. Until then I'll file all your comments under 'H' (for Hypocrites).

The UN should butt out of Thailand's affairs because they do not understand Thai society and it's rampant corruption (which is not to say the UN is not full of it's own variety). I can't think of any benefit they have brought to this world in recent years.

[phantomfiddler]

UN Expert ? ........ Isn,t that a contradiction in terms ?

[hawker9000]

Mr Kate is a brave and probably marked man. Prayuth is not going to take to kindly of this personal criticism. I bet he would love to be able to round him up.

'Just another UN alms-collecting flunky. I doubt the PM will lose much sleep over him.

[jayboy]

Maybe the PM should adopt the Thaksin red terrorist method and launch a few grenades into the crowd - right ? he might even score bonus points and murder a few children nearby followed by rapturist cheering by red leaders and PTP government ministers on the stage of a red rally as we all witnessed last year

I think the PM throwing out a few distasteful jokes pales in significance

Lets not forget what we had in this country before the junta restored some semblance of law and order and stopped the rot

More evidence if it were needed that the usual suspects have become hysterical and incoherent as their position becomes politically and morally bankrupt, and internationally derided to boot.

As to the irrelevant "whataboutery", there is no evidence at all to support the assertions.The disruption to law and order before the coup was engineered by those who wanted to end a democratically elected government, not the government itself or its supporters.

In any event the choice is not between the Junta and what went before (whatever one's view of that time).It is between a regressive military government and those who are working for a better democratic future for the Thai people.I fully accept that many initial supporters of the coup form part of the latter group.

It is only those who slavishly accept every pronouncement from the government without thought or caveat that turn the stomach.

[Fat Haggis]

I read plenty about people hypothesising what Prayuth could do and then half inferring he will.

Yet I have never read a single thing saying that he actually did any of those things.

When the opposition starts getting murdered (like so many of Thaksins critics) then I might change my mind about his ethics. Until then I'll file all your comments under 'H' (for Hypocrites).

The UN should butt out of Thailand's affairs because they do not understand Thai society and it's rampant corruption (which is not to say the UN is not full of it's own variety). I can't think of any benefit they have brought to this world in recent years.

But it's alright for you to butch and whine about what's going on in Thailand

It's a shame you can't follow your own advice and stop being a Hypocrite!!

[baboon]

I read plenty about people hypothesising what Prayuth could do and then half inferring he will.

Yet I have never read a single thing saying that he actually did any of those things.

When the opposition starts getting murdered (like so many of Thaksins critics) then I might change my mind about his ethics. Until then I'll file all your comments under 'H' (for Hypocrites).

The UN should butt out of Thailand's affairs because they do not understand Thai society and it's rampant corruption (which is not to say the UN is not full of it's own variety). I can't think of any benefit they have brought to this world in recent years.

The US should butt out, the EU should butt out, Australia should butt out, the UN should butt out... I see a certain pattern emerging here. Soon it will be the planet Tharg that the Drear Leader's crew will be telling to mind their own business. Shut down SETI, now!

[Baerboxer]

Mr Kate is a brave and probably marked man. Prayuth is not going to take to kindly of this personal criticism. I bet he would love to be able to round him up.

What has Mr. Kaye actually done that makes you think he's a brave man?

[baboon]

UN Expert ? ........ Isn,t that a contradiction in terms ?

No.

[Fat Haggis]

He watched 50 shades of grey with his wife and then said it was a pile of shit!!? ?

[lostoday]

A UNITED Nations expert on freedom of expression, David Kaye, yesterday urged Thailand to distance itself from the prime minister's intimidating statements against freedom of press, and take immediate measures to allow space for debate and freedom of expression.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said recently that journalists who criticised him or "caused divisions" could be "executed", and that he enjoyed "the power to close down the media, arrest people, or order people to be shot".

...

And what about the PM's right to 'freedom of expression'? If anyone in the media took his 'death threats' seriously, maybe they lack an adult grasp of the nuances of language such as sarcasm and irony.

Along the same lines, how old is Mr. Kaye BTW? He sounds like a kid as well.

Mr Kaye is clinical professor of law at the University of California, Irvine, School of Law. He teaches international human rights law and international. He earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of California, Berkeley.

His most recent publications include: Archiving Justice: Conceptualizing the Archives of the ICTY, Journal of Archival Science (2014); Stealth Multilateralism: U.S. Foreign Policy Without Treaties – or the Senate, Foreign Affairs (2013); Human Rights Prosecutors? The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, International Justice, and the Example of Syria (book chapter) (2013); State Execution of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 3 U.C. Irvine Law Reviews 95 (2013).

[Baerboxer]

Maybe the PM should adopt the Thaksin red terrorist method and launch a few grenades into the crowd - right ? he might even score bonus points and murder a few children nearby followed by rapturist cheering by red leaders and PTP government ministers on the stage of a red rally as we all witnessed last year

I think the PM throwing out a few distasteful jokes pales in significance

Lets not forget what we had in this country before the junta restored some semblance of law and order and stopped the rot

More evidence if it were needed that the usual suspects have become hysterical and incoherent as their position becomes politically and morally bankrupt, and internationally derided to boot.

As to the irrelevant "whataboutery", there is no evidence at all to support the assertions.The disruption to law and order before the coup was engineered by those who wanted to end a democratically elected government, not the government itself or its supporters.

In any event the choice is not between the Junta and what went before (whatever one's view of that time).It is between a regressive military government and those who are working for a better democratic future for the Thai people.I fully accept that many initial supporters of the coup form part of the latter group.

It is only those who slavishly accept every pronouncement from the government without thought or caveat that turn the stomach.

You forgot to add the "IMO" after your first sentence, and second.

Do you seriously suggest that all the attacks on anti-PTP protesters, the judiciary, and innocent by-standers were carried out by those who wanted rid of the corrupt law breaking Shin regime? Do you really believe that? Got any evidence? (Next you'll be writing it's just coincidental that many of those that opposed or spoke out against Thaksin disappeared or were murdered. Or do you think that was all part of the false flag conspiracy against Thaksin too?).

Who do you see as "those working for a better democratic future for the Thai people?

Seems your last sentence is self reflective - just substitute "the government" with "a convicted criminal fugitive".

[lostoday]

Mr Kate is a brave and probably marked man. Prayuth is not going to take to kindly of this personal criticism. I bet he would love to be able to round him up.

What has Mr. Kaye actually done that makes you think he's a brave man?

In addition to his teaching and research, he has lectured around the world, including at the United Nations and the International Criminal Court. He has taught courses in public international law, international humanitarian law and human rights at Georgetown University, Whittier Law School, and summer courses at the Universities of Toulouse and Amsterdam. He co-founded the International Human Rights Program of the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law, and founded its International Justice Clinic, working on projects dealing with accountability for international crimes around the world.

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/FreedomOpinion/Pages/DavidKaye.aspx

[Baerboxer]

A UNITED Nations expert on freedom of expression, David Kaye, yesterday urged Thailand to distance itself from the prime minister's intimidating statements against freedom of press, and take immediate measures to allow space for debate and freedom of expression.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said recently that journalists who criticised him or "caused divisions" could be "executed", and that he enjoyed "the power to close down the media, arrest people, or order people to be shot".

...

And what about the PM's right to 'freedom of expression'? If anyone in the media took his 'death threats' seriously, maybe they lack an adult grasp of the nuances of language such as sarcasm and irony.

Along the same lines, how old is Mr. Kaye BTW? He sounds like a kid as well.

Mr Kaye is clinical professor of law at the University of California, Irvine, School of Law. He teaches international human rights law and international. He earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of California, Berkeley.

His most recent publications include: Archiving Justice: Conceptualizing the Archives of the ICTY, Journal of Archival Science (2014); Stealth Multilateralism: U.S. Foreign Policy Without Treaties – or the Senate, Foreign Affairs (2013); Human Rights Prosecutors? The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, International Justice, and the Example of Syria (book chapter) (2013); State Execution of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 3 U.C. Irvine Law Reviews 95 (2013).

A legal academic - from California, educated in California, employed by California and ready to show the world just how righteous Californian law is.

As an academic Mr. Kaye no doubt appreciates that facts always support a statement nicely.

So, since the Junta took power, exactly how many journalists have been imprisoned, murdered, or subject to draconian defamation charges in order to silence them?

Wonder how much he earns from the UN in his second job?

[Baerboxer]

A UNITED Nations expert on freedom of expression, David Kaye, yesterday urged Thailand to distance itself from the prime minister's intimidating statements against freedom of press, and take immediate measures to allow space for debate and freedom of expression.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said recently that journalists who criticised him or "caused divisions" could be "executed", and that he enjoyed "the power to close down the media, arrest people, or order people to be shot".

...

And what about the PM's right to 'freedom of expression'? If anyone in the media took his 'death threats' seriously, maybe they lack an adult grasp of the nuances of language such as sarcasm and irony.

Along the same lines, how old is Mr. Kaye BTW? He sounds like a kid as well.

Mr Kaye is clinical professor of law at the University of California, Irvine, School of Law. He teaches international human rights law and international. He earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of California, Berkeley.

His most recent publications include: Archiving Justice: Conceptualizing the Archives of the ICTY, Journal of Archival Science (2014); Stealth Multilateralism: U.S. Foreign Policy Without Treaties – or the Senate, Foreign Affairs (2013); Human Rights Prosecutors? The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, International Justice, and the Example of Syria (book chapter) (2013); State Execution of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 3 U.C. Irvine Law Reviews 95 (2013).

A legal academic - from California, educated in California, employed by California and ready to show the world just how righteous Californian law is.

As an academic Mr. Kaye no doubt appreciates that facts always support a statement nicely.

So, since the Junta took power, exactly how many journalists have been imprisoned, murdered, or subject to draconian defamation charges in order to silence them?

Wonder how much he earns from the UN in his second job?

[MaxYakov]

A UNITED Nations expert on freedom of expression, David Kaye, yesterday urged Thailand to distance itself from the prime minister's intimidating statements against freedom of press, and take immediate measures to allow space for debate and freedom of expression.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said recently that journalists who criticised him or "caused divisions" could be "executed", and that he enjoyed "the power to close down the media, arrest people, or order people to be shot".

...

And what about the PM's right to 'freedom of expression'? If anyone in the media took his 'death threats' seriously, maybe they lack an adult grasp of the nuances of language such as sarcasm and irony.

Along the same lines, how old is Mr. Kaye BTW? He sounds like a kid as well.

He doesn't look like one: David Kaye, Clinical Professor of Law, University of California at Irvine

Maybe you were thinking of Danny Kaye?

Edited April 2, 2015 by MaxYakov

[Baerboxer]

Mr Kate is a brave and probably marked man. Prayuth is not going to take to kindly of this personal criticism. I bet he would love to be able to round him up.

What has Mr. Kaye actually done that makes you think he's a brave man?

In addition to his teaching and research, he has lectured around the world, including at the United Nations and the International Criminal Court. He has taught courses in public international law, international humanitarian law and human rights at Georgetown University, Whittier Law School, and summer courses at the Universities of Toulouse and Amsterdam. He co-founded the International Human Rights Program of the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law, and founded its International Justice Clinic, working on projects dealing with accountability for international crimes around the world.

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/FreedomOpinion/Pages/DavidKaye.aspx

A glittering academic career.

Now which parts of that make him "a brave man"?

[Baerboxer]

The subject is about Thailand not the US of you want to make comparisons start another topic, in case you hadn't noticed the name of the forum is Thai Visa, not America Visa ?

It never takes long for one of the kool aid drinkers to start making comparisons to Thakin either.

Who cares about Thaksin, he's past history, the past cannot be changed but the future can, but not until you let go of the past.

There's also lots of people on this forum unaware of Godwin's law too, I'm not going to explain it, Google it.

Your're wrong on this one mate.

This thread is about an American law academic using his UN platform to comment on Thailand's government. People who live in glasshouses and all that. The fact he's American makes the parallel analogy with the US situation relevant. Do as we say, not as we do springs to mind. Has he also spoke out about the US violations referred to, and other nations? This is the first time I've heard of this guy.

Many writers believe studying history helps to improve the future and prevent the same follies. That's not meant to suggest hanging on and not changing but means you should learn from it. I wish you were right, that Thaksin was past history. But I somehow doubt he sees it that way.

[smedly]

Maybe the PM should adopt the Thaksin red terrorist method and launch a few grenades into the crowd - right ? he might even score bonus points and murder a few children nearby followed by rapturist cheering by red leaders and PTP government ministers on the stage of a red rally as we all witnessed last year

I think the PM throwing out a few distasteful jokes pales in significance

Lets not forget what we had in this country before the junta restored some semblance of law and order and stopped the rot

More evidence if it were needed that the usual suspects have become hysterical and incoherent as their position becomes politically and morally bankrupt, and internationally derided to boot.

As to the irrelevant "whataboutery", there is no evidence at all to support the assertions.The disruption to law and order before the coup was engineered by those who wanted to end a democratically elected government, not the government itself or its supporters.

In any event the choice is not between the Junta and what went before (whatever one's view of that time).It is between a regressive military government and those who are working for a better democratic future for the Thai people.I fully accept that many initial supporters of the coup form part of the latter group.

It is only those who slavishly accept every pronouncement from the government without thought or caveat that turn the stomach.

good I hope you are ejecting fluids from every exit your body possesses

The current government has a task to complete and a short time to accomplish - they do not need criminal Thakins paid for red lackeys going on another terrorist murder campaign in an attempt to throw the country back into violent conflict that they seem to be so good at, shutting them up and keeping them off the streets is the best thing that ever happened here and may it continue

I am no supporter of military rule but I see no alternative in Thailand until they have an honourable government in place that actually does its job and Thaksin is no longer able to buy elections and abuse the Thai people, his days are numbered and he knows it.

If the current PM turns out to be rotten then I will be the first to cry foul and oppose it, but for now there is no evidence of that and he is doing what needs to done to keep the country at peace and remove the red scum from the streets

[lostoday]

Mr Kate is a brave and probably marked man. Prayuth is not going to take to kindly of this personal criticism. I bet he would love to be able to round him up.

What has Mr. Kaye actually done that makes you think he's a brave man?

In addition to his teaching and research, he has lectured around the world, including at the United Nations and the International Criminal Court. He has taught courses in public international law, international humanitarian law and human rights at Georgetown University, Whittier Law School, and summer courses at the Universities of Toulouse and Amsterdam. He co-founded the International Human Rights Program of the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law, and founded its International Justice Clinic, working on projects dealing with accountability for international crimes around the world.

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/FreedomOpinion/Pages/DavidKaye.aspx

A glittering academic career.

Now which parts of that make him "a brave man"?

"working on projects dealing with accountability for international crimes around the world."

I realize you are all about attacking the messenger but that is really not the point is it? Mr Kaye is a reputable source looking at his bio. Why don't you try attacking the message rather than the messenger in this case a top notch college prof and international lawyer.

[lostoday]

A UNITED Nations expert on freedom of expression, David Kaye, yesterday urged Thailand to distance itself from the prime minister's intimidating statements against freedom of press, and take immediate measures to allow space for debate and freedom of expression.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said recently that journalists who criticised him or "caused divisions" could be "executed", and that he enjoyed "the power to close down the media, arrest people, or order people to be shot".

...

And what about the PM's right to 'freedom of expression'? If anyone in the media took his 'death threats' seriously, maybe they lack an adult grasp of the nuances of language such as sarcasm and irony.

Along the same lines, how old is Mr. Kaye BTW? He sounds like a kid as well.

Mr Kaye is clinical professor of law at the University of California, Irvine, School of Law. He teaches international human rights law and international. He earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of California, Berkeley.

His most recent publications include: Archiving Justice: Conceptualizing the Archives of the ICTY, Journal of Archival Science (2014); Stealth Multilateralism: U.S. Foreign Policy Without Treaties – or the Senate, Foreign Affairs (2013); Human Rights Prosecutors? The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, International Justice, and the Example of Syria (book chapter) (2013); State Execution of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 3 U.C. Irvine Law Reviews 95 (2013).

A legal academic - from California, educated in California, employed by California and ready to show the world just how righteous Californian law is.

As an academic Mr. Kaye no doubt appreciates that facts always support a statement nicely.

So, since the Junta took power, exactly how many journalists have been imprisoned, murdered, or subject to draconian defamation charges in order to silence them?

Wonder how much he earns from the UN in his second job?

You might want to google, "Theinsutham Suthijittaseranee," before you talk too much more.

[baboon]

Wow. The junta supporters are really scraping the bottom of the barrel in their desperation to defend them on this thread. I doubt the attacks on Mr. Kaye personally are going to do much good and as for the 'Aha! He was born in America who bombed...' arguments, is that the best you've got?