Thread: Journalists 'deeply concerned' about junta censorship

Journalists 'deeply concerned' about junta censorship
Achara Ashayagachat
25/05/2014

Members of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT) on Sunday expressed "deep concern" over the detention of journalists from Fah Diew Gan (Same Sky) and The Nation newspaper.

The FCCT issued a statement on Sunday saying the military junta is already imposing censorship on the media, blocking access to foreign television networks, restricting what Thai networks can broadcast and blocking hundreds of internet websites.

"While this may impede coverage in the short term and make it harder for journalists on the ground to produce accurate and balanced reports, it will not diminish interest in this story or make it go away," the statement said.

It said freedom of expression and the right of journalists to work without fear of arrest or physical violence are core principles of the FCCT.

The FCCT members urged the new military government to stop detaining journalists, lift media restrictions and release those already being held.

"At this difficult time for Thailand, the free flow of reliable information is vital to finding a peaceful resolution to this long-running and seemingly intractable political conflict."


Pravit Rojanaphruk closes his eyes, ears and mouth as a symbol of censorship.
(Photo by Achara Ashayagachat)

Thanapol Eawsakul, editor of Fah Diew Gan magazine, was arrested following an anti-coup protest on Friday. On Sunday, The Nation senior reporter Pravit Rojanaphruk was taken into custody after the military junta summoned him.

On Sunday morning, Mr Pravit stood before the Army Club in Thewes. His mouth was sealed by adhesive tape and he closed his eyes and covered his ears with his hands as a symbol of censorship in Thailand.

"They might detain me, but they can't cage my conscience. This is how we're going to face the military junta through civil disobedience - by turning myself in," said the 47-year-old.

Asked if he would expect any worse, he said much of Thailand has been under censorship, so there was not much difference.

"I hope the people will not give up the spirit. I hope Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha will be the last dictator in Thailand," said the journalist before being escorted to the Army Club.

Accompanying him were United Nations human rights officers Yu Kanosue and Pokpong Lawansiri and lawyer Anon Nampa.

The two UN human rights officers went into the Army Club's meeting room with Mr Pravit but left after an hour.

The whereabouts of Mr Pravit and his lawyer are not known at this time. Activists have speculated that he was targeted as he has been critical of the establishment and the monarchy network.

The military has also contacted many anti-coup activists seen as a "critical" infuence through the social media. Most of them are not on the list that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has announced.

Sukunya Preuksakasemsuk, wife of lese majeste prisoner Somyot Preuksakasemsuk, was asked to report to the Army Club in Thewes.

The military went to her house around 3pm and ordered her to get all computer and internet equipment and give information that might link to computer crimes.

Mrs Sukunya's son and daughter were also with her.

Meanwhile, Myanmar, in its capacity as Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) chair, said the regional bloc has been paying close attention to the situation in Thailand following the May 22 coup and will not make a stand before consulting with all member countries.

Asean Affairs spokesperson Ye Htut said Myanmar has reaffirmed its position in accordance with the joint statement on Thailand issued at the Asean Summit in Yangon on May 11.

However, Indonesia's Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa has suggested that Asean should voice "deep concern" over Thursday's military coup. The 10-member regional bloc cannot afford to remain silent, he added.

He told the Indonesian media that the coup was an internal matter for Thailand, but since Asean was now a community, "it is only natural that the latest political development in that member country is a situation of tremendous concern".

bangkokpost.com

Not much difference regarding journalistic/media suppression - military regime or civilian govt....

It's a coup, what do they expect ?

What censorship?

TV is back on if they're that old that that's all they know, and on the internet the world's your oyster.

While censorship can be used - technology mostly negates it.

Censorship, the international news channels are broadcasting what is happening on Bangkok streets, there seem to be more cameramen filming protestors than placard holders.
The really big stories are , we want to hear what the prisoners have to say, most notably Lady Thaksin.

Originally Posted by Albert Shagnastier

What censorship?

TV is back on if they're that old that that's all they know, and on the internet the world's your oyster.

While censorship can be used - technology mostly negates it.

Unfortunately for the people who need to know, they do not have the skills to circumvent the filters. A lot of the older people upcountry are not internet savvy and connect via smart phones etc.

Originally Posted by zygote1

Originally Posted by Albert Shagnastier

What censorship?

TV is back on if they're that old that that's all they know, and on the internet the world's your oyster.

While censorship can be used - technology mostly negates it.

Unfortunately for the people who need to know, they do not have the skills to circumvent the filters. A lot of the older people upcountry are not internet savvy and connect via smart phones etc.

Heh..
Most older and younger folks upcountry have witnessed these activities dozens of times. They're indifferent.

Normal everyday existence [political drama or not] is vacant, by choice, of being obsessive of obtaining info, news, stimulation, etc.

Their community is all that matters.

Amazed as to the many [here at TD] that think they know and understand this society and it's working - haven't a clue.