Thailand's govt pressures Facebook, Line to censor online posts

[LannaGuy]

G'day robblok, Good to see that your opinions are changing and seeing the junta for what there are (in part), I say in part because you have a real problem with the amnesty for Thaksin, ok cool fair enough your opinion, no worries, now legit question, has the PM granted himself and others amnesty for past present and future??? A fair question mate.

Do you believe laws are for all or laws are selective? do you believe amnesty for all or only for a select few?

Are laws applied impartially or yet again selective? (case in point) students on a train asking for independent investigation into corruption is deemed political and a crime and warrants/charged detained etc, and family members harassed, A (monk) leading a group (unsure of numbers) to protest at the US embassy is ok.

Consistency is key here. Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.

I believe the amnesty for Thaksin is the catalyst and it was.. too many people did not want it. I could not care less if they prosecuted the general for the coup. I have no love for the man, but he is far less a catalyst to an uprising as Thaksin. (coup might have been planned.. but without the amnesty for Thaksin the people would never have rallied) The guy is a convicted criminal with many more serious cases waiting for him. YL wanted those and 25.000 other corruption cases amnestied.. says enough I think. Compared with that a coup is nothing. (still would not mind if they went after the army for that)

As for select enforcement, I can give those to you too of your beloved PTP so don't act like the junta is only doing that PTP did the same. If you want I can come up with a list.

You seem to be avoiding answering any questions he asked you and instead parroting the "but Thaksin" nonsense of avowed yellows. You aren't one of them are you?

Whatever we all may think of Thaksin, he was elected twice by the vast majority of Thai people (and before you start, vote buying was not a determining factor - a fact agreed by even the Dems!).

So, to compare a popularly elected PM with an abrogator of the Constitution who took control because he controlled those with guns is to compare apples with non-apples.

That aside, how about you address the reasonable questions asked without resorting to "but Thaksin"?

No I am comparing a convicted criminal who paid people to rebel and who is sought in many serious corruption cases like the bank scandal to a general who is so far convicted of nothing and not on the run.

And yes laws are now enforced selectively but so were they when PTP was in power so nothing has changed. In a way I like it that sides change because its the only way for crimes and corruption to get punished. (because of the selective enforcing of laws on both sides). They will never investigate their own (though I must say more democrat corruption has been convicted under the junta as PTP corruption has ever been under the PTP) So in a way the junta is doing more against corruption. That being said the park corruption is of course a disgrace how its being handled and the PM is a walking PR disaster.

more 'it's all Thaksin' nonsense from you and, BTW, the 'people' did NOT 'rally' but back on topic (something you like to avoid we know) it is your hero's who are upping the censorship stakes and you support them by trolling about a political figure who has not been in power for years. Catch up man this is about NOW.

[novo58]

Great job opportunity here in the making ........................

TAT can arrange for all the tourists to have "minders" to ensure that they dont take photo's /videos of anything that could reflect badly on Thailand and dont then post these pics/vids on any social media before leaving the kingdom. Then , Customs can closely inspect all cameras/ phones/computers of all departing tourists to ensure no " image sensitive data " leaves the kingdom.

These minders could also ensue that tourists do not have any negative experiences whilst in the kingdom, and also ensure that the tourists spend a specific amount each day at Thai shops/markets etc.

Finally, all departing tourists must participate in " attitude adjustment/assessment" prior to departure to ensure they do not talk about anything negative on their return to their home county

[BuckBee]

Only thing this does is confirm they got a lot to hide along with no gumption, humour tolerance or much care/concern for mr thai joe average .

[metisdead]

Troll posts have been removed.

Referring to Thailand or the government as a dictatorship, military dictatorship or other such terms will be removed.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878797-updated-notice-to-members-posting-in-thailand-news/

[johng]

They are planning to eavesdrop on Google,line,Facebook,Twitter and Pantip forum

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1453723746&section=11

[robblok]

You seem to be avoiding answering any questions he asked you and instead parroting the "but Thaksin" nonsense of avowed yellows. You aren't one of them are you?

Whatever we all may think of Thaksin, he was elected twice by the vast majority of Thai people (and before you start, vote buying was not a determining factor - a fact agreed by even the Dems!).

So, to compare a popularly elected PM with an abrogator of the Constitution who took control because he controlled those with guns is to compare apples with non-apples.

That aside, how about you address the reasonable questions asked without resorting to "but Thaksin"?

No I am comparing a convicted criminal who paid people to rebel and who is sought in many serious corruption cases like the bank scandal to a general who is so far convicted of nothing and not on the run.

And yes laws are now enforced selectively but so were they when PTP was in power so nothing has changed. In a way I like it that sides change because its the only way for crimes and corruption to get punished. (because of the selective enforcing of laws on both sides). They will never investigate their own (though I must say more democrat corruption has been convicted under the junta as PTP corruption has ever been under the PTP) So in a way the junta is doing more against corruption. That being said the park corruption is of course a disgrace how its being handled and the PM is a walking PR disaster.

more 'it's all Thaksin' nonsense from you and, BTW, the 'people' did NOT 'rally' but back on topic (something you like to avoid we know) it is your hero's who are upping the censorship stakes and you support them by trolling about a political figure who has not been in power for years. Catch up man this is about NOW.

People did rally.. i was there seen them on the streets. They got bombed by by redshirts and shot by redshirts it was all on the news and I seen it for real. Not sure where you were but people rallied against the Thaksin amnesty.

Anyway on topic I already said I am 100% against what the government is doing on this topic. That was in my first post but people started to bait me here. Also told I am 100% against the internet gateway both are serious steps back for freedom of speech.

That still does not make me a PTP lover sorry for that two devils and I went for the lesser devil.. but the lesser devil is getting to be as bad. Clear enough for you ?

[aussieinthailand]

G'day robblok, Good to see that your opinions are changing and seeing the junta for what there are (in part), I say in part because you have a real problem with the amnesty for Thaksin, ok cool fair enough your opinion, no worries, now legit question, has the PM granted himself and others amnesty for past present and future??? A fair question mate.

Do you believe laws are for all or laws are selective? do you believe amnesty for all or only for a select few?

Are laws applied impartially or yet again selective? (case in point) students on a train asking for independent investigation into corruption is deemed political and a crime and warrants/charged detained etc, and family members harassed, A (monk) leading a group (unsure of numbers) to protest at the US embassy is ok.

Consistency is key here. Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.

I believe the amnesty for Thaksin is the catalyst and it was.. too many people did not want it. I could not care less if they prosecuted the general for the coup. I have no love for the man, but he is far less a catalyst to an uprising as Thaksin. (coup might have been planned.. but without the amnesty for Thaksin the people would never have rallied) The guy is a convicted criminal with many more serious cases waiting for him. YL wanted those and 25.000 other corruption cases amnestied.. says enough I think. Compared with that a coup is nothing. (still would not mind if they went after the army for that)

As for select enforcement, I can give those to you too of your beloved PTP so don't act like the junta is only doing that PTP did the same. If you want I can come up with a list.

You seem to be avoiding answering any questions he asked you and instead parroting the "but Thaksin" nonsense of avowed yellows. You aren't one of them are you?

Whatever we all may think of Thaksin, he was elected twice by the vast majority of Thai people (and before you start, vote buying was not a determining factor - a fact agreed by even the Dems!).

So, to compare a popularly elected PM with an abrogator of the Constitution who took control because he controlled those with guns is to compare apples with non-apples.

That aside, how about you address the reasonable questions asked without resorting to "but Thaksin"?

No I am comparing a convicted criminal who paid people to rebel and who is sought in many serious corruption cases like the bank scandal to a general who is so far convicted of nothing and not on the run.

And yes laws are now enforced selectively but so were they when PTP was in power so nothing has changed. In a way I like it that sides change because its the only way for crimes and corruption to get punished. (because of the selective enforcing of laws on both sides). They will never investigate their own (though I must say more democrat corruption has been convicted under the junta as PTP corruption has ever been under the PTP) So in a way the junta is doing more against corruption. That being said the park corruption is of course a disgrace how its being handled and the PM is a walking PR disaster.

"No I an comparing" And there in is the problem robblok, No one is asking for you to compere anything!!!!

I asked you 5/6 simple questions and was genuinely interested in your answers, and now after 4 or four attempts to sidestep you still avoid the question but instead go on a Thaksin and PTP tirade,,,, do you see that???

Aahhh man forget it, you either have no answers or not willing to answer honestly as it may show you may support selective application of laws and to whom they apply, all are equal, Some are more equal than others.

[rmacee]

A military government at least until 2018, artificially high currency, censorship and control, would U want to invest in a country like this ?

[aussieinthailand]

This is why America is the Greatest country on earth. The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. As soon as they get rid of Obama.

Ok sorry a little off topic then back too it. Jeff Daniels, "America is NOT the Greatest country on earth." Hollywood yeah but truth also like it or not.

Unfortunately the good o'l US of A is well and truly setting the Barr for censorship and spying on people all in the name of security, LOS is simply following their lead.

Again Unfortunately there seems to be not enough people in USA that would care to follow the advice of one of your greatest men, Ben Franklin, regarding "security" and "liberty" They shall have neither!!!!!!!!!

It will be interesting to know just how this will play out, also funny that yesterday a post claiming FB had a poll that 91% were NOT happy with the Government?

And now they are asking FB to censor post's...

Edited February 1, 2016 by aussieinthailand

[Nbarch]

I hope Facebook will stand up to the junta and ignore their request to censorship.

If Facebook is banned from the LOS then that will hurt tourism, but I suspect the junta just cannot comprehend that.

Slowly but surely democracy is slipping away.

[elgordo38]

A world without Farcebook.....I'd like to see that!

Quit giving the government ideas. After Facebook leaves they could start up their own social media site and Farcebook would be a good title. What a great platform for the PM to sing and dance on and have repeats of his Friday night fireside chats. 12 months of that we would all be believers or leave.

[elgordo38]

I don't think either LINE or FACEBOOK will follow the General. Even he is PM at present he is only one of those in Thailand's history. The next govt. could change everything and the following change the changes.

So why to follow a General for 2 or 3 years...?

All this proposed censorship proves one thing for sure. Any election will be in the distant future.

[oldsailor35]

Only trouble makers say nasty things about the wonderful Thai govrtnment.

[elgordo38]

The government has picked a fight they can't win. Try to stifle free speech in the cyber world we live in, impossible. Win hearts and minds by arresting folks for sharing their thoughts, reprehensible

Military vs Media should be an interesting battle. The more the military government tries to tighten the noose the more attention they draw to themselves in international circles. Yes they can do whatever they want in their little Fiefdom but to be a player on the international stage there are rules. There is a definite polarizing of the planet happening and it looks like 3 or 4 factions will emerge. The West, Europe, Asia and Africa.

[oldsailor35]

No one is bullet proof, especially in a country like Thailand

[aussieinthailand]

They are planning to eavesdrop on Google,line,Facebook,Twitter and Pantip forum

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1453723746&section=11

"they are planning to eavesdrop on Google,Line,Facebook,Twitter and Pantip forum"

If The government planning to employ, (contract) a (company) to censor, monitor and track media users, well company's have a very fundamental weakness, exposure to negative publicity, and the bottom line, $$$ regarding negative publicity.

Note: plenty of VPN add's on here now huh? KA'CHING$$$$$$$...........

[elgordo38]

I consider it high unlikely that Facebook or Google complies with these censorship requests. China tried more or less the same in 2010 with Google. Google moved the servers to Hong Kong and said they would rethink if they continue their service in China at all.

In May 2014, shortly after the coup, Thailand already tried what they're now trying again. Some military guys flew to Singapore to talk to them, but Google and co. didn't even want to meet them. Looks like it's really nagging the junta that there is an entity that can't be intimidated by lese majeste.

Yes its a tight little island here and once they step off and try to spread their ideology elsewhere they are brought up short. They keep trying and the world is not buying so its back to home base and into a huddle to try and come up with another ridiculous plan. This could become the hub of humor next. A great setting here for a Michael Moore film. They could use the March of the Toy Soldiers as background music.

[angiolo]

I must not say what I think,so do not lock me up,,please

[Sakeopete]

Thailand is well on its way to becoming a territory of China (officially). Great leader will use the excuse that social media will not cooperate with the government he will implement his (China's) plan to fully control the internet through a clone of China's great firewall. He and many of the elite (mostly Thai-Chinese by ethnicity) know the military don't have the backing of the people or foreign democracies. They also know no matter how hard they try to weaken Shinawatra influence they will fail as did the previous great leader from the last coup.

The charter will be rejected (planned) and elections continuously postponed until the media and internet are fully under great leader's control. He then will follow the steps from Dictator Made Easy 101 and start the propaganda campaign unopposed. With China's influence and approval Thailand will become an official territory of the PRC.

[masuk]

I'm still confused about how they judge what content they could justifiably consider as harmful to the country. If I post about having to pay off a.policeman bribe or how I got forced to pay three times the fee or cost or if I post about how bad my trip in Thailand was or send a vdo of a chinaman pissing or shitting on the street doesn't that hurt Thailand's tourism, hence, damaging the country?

Or, if I posted a vdo of someone getting kidnapped by the army or of a business using slave Labour or even a girl on walking Street offering sex for money. All would.damage people view of Thailand in the gov viewpoint. So I guess my point is, if the line and fb jump to remove your content posted just because Thailand thinks it damages how they want people to think about them then all freedoms are gone and for anyone and in any country.

I'm still confused about how they judge what content they could justifiably consider as harmful to the country.

Check out the people who have been arrested for sedition, LM, the computer crimes act, and for public gathering and you will have a good idea of what they consider harmful to the country.

Harmful to the country:

• taking a train
• being a student
• being a politician
• being related to the previous two
• hitting 'like'
• making fun of dogs
• sharing videos

Any other questions?

PS: you are right in your last statement... At least in the mind of the junta leaders, that is clearly the goal...

then all freedoms are gone and for anyone and in any country.

Interesting to note that Facebook and Google are both totally banned in China.

[Baerboxer]

Censorship and control pure and simple.

That's the problem with trying to restrict free speech - once you start there's no stopping it.

The "regimes' that controlled to old Eastern bloc "people's democratic republics" never permitted any critics or open dissent. And their secret police enforced it with those denounced not even getting a trial. USSR, PRC and many others thought this was the way to control the masses.

Social media has permitted a much wider, deeper, quicker exchange of views. But look at how many governments have brought in laws to prevent "inciting racial intolerance" or whatever. And then use them in very abstract ways.

Who will decide what constitutes a threat to "peace and order". That is the problem. Things are open to interpretation however those in authority want to interpret it.

The Asian Chinese "face" drives their inability to accept criticism, or ever admit to being wrong, or being challenged by those they consider inferior. Social media provides an opportunity for that far greater than traditional media and so prevents a bigger challenge or perceived threat.

[elgordo38]

The government has picked a fight they can't win. Try to stifle free speech in the cyber world we live in, impossible. Win hearts and minds by arresting folks for sharing their thoughts, reprehensible.

Unfortunately, you are wrong! Just look at what goes into and out of N. Korea. Nothing!

Apart from the factories on the North South border nothing does go in and out of North Korea. Why do you think the populous is starving but they are a docile people with little exposure to the outside world on the other hand Thailand not so much so. They are in a tight blockade. Why do you think they send their citizens/slaves to foreign countries and seize their paychecks. North Korea survives at China's pleasure and only that. If China withdrew support it would collapse. As in any standoff one side or another blinks first. Need I explain to you who blinks first in our situation? Thailand wants and needs foreign investment and tourism. The big corporations here run things. If you think the PM could not be brought in for a little chat think again. I think this will happen soon as they have pretty well let him run to the end of his ego leash.

[Baerboxer]

Thailand is well on its way to becoming a territory of China (officially). Great leader will use the excuse that social media will not cooperate with the government he will implement his (China's) plan to fully control the internet through a clone of China's great firewall. He and many of the elite (mostly Thai-Chinese by ethnicity) know the military don't have the backing of the people or foreign democracies. They also know no matter how hard they try to weaken Shinawatra influence they will fail as did the previous great leader from the last coup.

The charter will be rejected (planned) and elections continuously postponed until the media and internet are fully under great leader's control. He then will follow the steps from Dictator Made Easy 101 and start the propaganda campaign unopposed. With China's influence and approval Thailand will become an official territory of the PRC.

What a load of old cobblers. Thailand will never surrender it's sovereignty. It will continue to try to play China and the US off to its own advantage and may get closer to China as the West pushes the democracy chip. China wants to increase its influence over SEA and sees Thailand as a potential ally given the weakening in US / Thai relations. Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan and South Korea are blockers to that influence increasing, again making courting Thailand more attractive.

As for the Shins, they are ethnic Chinese billionaires who would sell Thailand out to China or anyone else of the prices is right. They certainly don't have the backing of the foreign democracies as evidenced by the total lack of support for them per se. Remember the Shin also wanted to control FB and had one of their policemen threaten to prosecute anyone who dared "like" a post the Shins didn't.

Edited February 1, 2016 by Baerboxer

[phoenixdoglover]

I am practicing for the future Facebook of Thailand.

Today, I had a wonderful papaya salad. Aroy, aroy! 555

[shavedPotter]

Without having read through this thread, this should be most interesting when the government asks Line to do what they want. The reason for this is line messages can only be read by the sender and recipient by design. Since Edward Snowden did his thing companies have been favoring privacy of the user over government desire to have a look as it is a sound business model.

But looking deeper it seems we are coming to a tipping point where the majority of people will swing against the Junta if the latest draft Constitution does not fly tipping favor back towards the bad politicians they are trying to root out. Wanting to censor Line and others only hastens the reversal of the pendulum. The last reversal happened the day of the last coup.

[Scorcher]

Facebook will do nothing. The general wants fb to do its dirty work then he can shift blame onto them for cencorship. Facebook will ignore him and he will be forced to do something himself.

Shutiing down fb and Line will be the fastest way to insurrection and civil war. The locals simply will not accept it.

[hawker9000]

Personally I dont like sites such as Facebook but I do respect the opinion of those that do. Some people suggest banning Facebook worldwide; kind of stupid to think that. If people want to share photos of lunch let them I dont have to be a part of it

Exactly.

[Doc46]

I'm still confused about how they judge what content they could justifiably consider as harmful to the country. If I post about having to pay off a.policeman bribe or how I got forced to pay three times the fee or cost or if I post about how bad my trip in Thailand was or send a vdo of a chinaman pissing or shitting on the street doesn't that hurt Thailand's tourism, hence, damaging the country?

Or, if I posted a vdo of someone getting kidnapped by the army or of a business using slave Labour or even a girl on walking Street offering sex for money. All would.damage people view of Thailand in the gov viewpoint. So I guess my point is, if the line and fb jump to remove your content posted just because Thailand thinks it damages how they want people to think about them then all freedoms are gone and for anyone and in any country.

Freedom of Speech/Report/write /Publish,,,,,,Even if it is the Truth (the truth hurts most people) Sounds like,,,, A NAZI POLICE STATE,,,, Do as I say and no harm will come to you ,,,This is Very Very Scary,,,

[arithai12]

Personally I dont like sites such as Facebook but I do respect the opinion of those that do. Some people suggest banning Facebook worldwide; kind of stupid to think that. If people want to share photos of lunch let them I dont have to be a part of it

Exactly.

Photos of lunch ??? Ah, ok... thanks. Silly me, thinking it was much more...

[MockingJay]

I think the amount of harm the junta has already done to this country and investors' confidence can't by any chance be superseded by any negative FB or line posts...