Thai authorities have blocked 2,300 websites for allegedly insulting the country's revered monarchy and are waiting for court approval to restrict another 400, the government said Tuesday.
The blocking of the websites under harsh lese majeste laws which protect King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been criticised by rights groups and media organisations in recent months.
"The blocking of websites that disseminate content and pictures which insult the monarchy is one of the government's crucial policies," Information and Communication (ICT) minister Ranongruk Suwanchawee said in a statement.
"We have blocked more than 2,300 websites. We are preparing to ask for court approval to shut down an additional 400 sites and will amend the... law to increase powers of ICT officials as soon as parliament reopens," she said.
The ministry had spent 45 million baht (1.28 million dollars) to buy equipment for a round-the-clock "war room" targeting inappropriate web sites, Ranongruk said.
The ministry would ask the ministries of justice, interior and defence to "decisively" prosecute violators, who face imprisonment and a fine for breaking the law, the minister said.
Defaming the royals in Thailand carries a a maximum jail sentence of 15 years but media groups say the law is often used as a political tool.
Thailand made headlines around the world in 2007 when it blocked the popular video-sharing website YouTube after clips started appearing mocking the 81-year-old King Bhumibol.
Global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders recently accused the Thai government of using the laws that protect the monarchy to suppress dissenting voices on the Internet.
New Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva however defended the crackdown in a recent interview with AFP, saying that there were "historical and cultural differences" with other countries.
"We will respect the rights, but those rights are exercised within the same limits that even the most liberal of countries apply," Abhisit said in the interview on December 26.
The royal family's role in politics became a sensitive subject last year amid protests by a group claiming loyalty to the monarchy which opposed the previous government for being too close to ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
A court verdict on December 2 effectively dissolved that government, paving the way for Abhisit to become premier mid-way through last month. Parliament is due to reconvene on January 21.
Source: AFP
Thailand blocks 2,300 websites
Thailand blocks 2,300 websites
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
I remember when utube was blocked.
I think I was the only one who defended that action.
To me it was a case of a proud country upholding its customs and principles. Unlike most Western countries where freedom of speech has completely got out of hand.
I looked at it as if, if someone was blatantly and publicly ridiculing my Mother or Father, would I try and put a stop to it, or just laugh it off?.
My only problem with this case is that it is probably mainly for political purposes.
I think I was the only one who defended that action.
To me it was a case of a proud country upholding its customs and principles. Unlike most Western countries where freedom of speech has completely got out of hand.
I looked at it as if, if someone was blatantly and publicly ridiculing my Mother or Father, would I try and put a stop to it, or just laugh it off?.
My only problem with this case is that it is probably mainly for political purposes.
You only live once.
Perth must be a different part part of Oz. Freedom of speech. R u kidding? U can't even id your mother or father with the authorities either in public or on the phone . Try talking to any government authority eg. ATO. Try getting anything published or information about memnbers of your family even with their approval U need an affidavit otherwise expect the Privacy police to come down hard.
That's why they also have defamation and a myriad of other "laws": to stiffle opinion and "protect" the rights of individuals (aka so we don't get caught out ).
Anyone who knocks the King here needs a swift boot up the Kyber and a lesson in manners!
That's why they also have defamation and a myriad of other "laws": to stiffle opinion and "protect" the rights of individuals (aka so we don't get caught out ).
Anyone who knocks the King here needs a swift boot up the Kyber and a lesson in manners!
Think I've asked this before and received an answer but I'll do it again anyway cos I've forgotten and it may of changed anyway
Do they still have speakers corner in Hyde Park? You used to able to stand up and say anything you wanted and relish in the heckling
Do they still have speakers corner in Hyde Park? You used to able to stand up and say anything you wanted and relish in the heckling
RICHARD OF LOXLEY
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.
From the Bangkok Post. Pete
________________
Self censorship plagues net
By: PENCHAN CHAROENSUTHIPAN
Published: 28/05/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
Fear of severe penalties for breaching security regulations have led to many internet-based public forums adopting a policy of self-censorship, a seminar was told yesterday.
The 2007 Computer Crimes Act which allows officials to shut websites and jail the operators have forced webmasters to impose stricter content controls.
"They use their own judgement to decide which questions and replies in the forums are dangerous and then delete them to avoid problems," said Sarinee Achawanantakul of Thai Netizen Network, a group of internet users campaigning for cyber community rights.
Internet service providers made things worse, Ms Sarinee said. Some toe the state line by helping officials block websites which they consider inappropriate.
"But these methods are not effective," Ms Sarinee told a seminar held at Thammasat University to mark the launch of a website featuring the life of university founder Pridi Banomyong, a former prime minister and statesman.
She said the methods only violated rights to expression of opinion. The government and website operators should respond to groundless content by correcting facts and using technicians to track those who were involved.
The government is closely watching websites which serve as forums on social and political issues after they became popular channels. Some had become so powerful they could direct public opinion or cause changes in society, said media scholar Ubonrat Siriyuwasak.
More appropriate actions to regulate these websites would benefit people as "net power and email forwarding draws public participation in helping to decide some state policies", Ms Ubonrat said.
Two cases related to internet-related offences have stood out. Prachatai operator Jiranut Premchaiporn was charged on March 6 after she allegedly failed to delete inappropriate words.
Internet user Suwicha Thakhor became the first casualty of the Computer Crimes Act when jailed for posting an edited photo on his blog deemed defamatory to His Majesty the King.
________________
Self censorship plagues net
By: PENCHAN CHAROENSUTHIPAN
Published: 28/05/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
Fear of severe penalties for breaching security regulations have led to many internet-based public forums adopting a policy of self-censorship, a seminar was told yesterday.
The 2007 Computer Crimes Act which allows officials to shut websites and jail the operators have forced webmasters to impose stricter content controls.
"They use their own judgement to decide which questions and replies in the forums are dangerous and then delete them to avoid problems," said Sarinee Achawanantakul of Thai Netizen Network, a group of internet users campaigning for cyber community rights.
Internet service providers made things worse, Ms Sarinee said. Some toe the state line by helping officials block websites which they consider inappropriate.
"But these methods are not effective," Ms Sarinee told a seminar held at Thammasat University to mark the launch of a website featuring the life of university founder Pridi Banomyong, a former prime minister and statesman.
She said the methods only violated rights to expression of opinion. The government and website operators should respond to groundless content by correcting facts and using technicians to track those who were involved.
The government is closely watching websites which serve as forums on social and political issues after they became popular channels. Some had become so powerful they could direct public opinion or cause changes in society, said media scholar Ubonrat Siriyuwasak.
More appropriate actions to regulate these websites would benefit people as "net power and email forwarding draws public participation in helping to decide some state policies", Ms Ubonrat said.
Two cases related to internet-related offences have stood out. Prachatai operator Jiranut Premchaiporn was charged on March 6 after she allegedly failed to delete inappropriate words.
Internet user Suwicha Thakhor became the first casualty of the Computer Crimes Act when jailed for posting an edited photo on his blog deemed defamatory to His Majesty the King.
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
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SuperTonic
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sunseasand
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It seems the websites blocked are not only those that are so-called detrimental to the Thai Royal Family. I have recently been blocked trying to view websites and videos I could previously access. Sites such as 9/11 truth videos or US torture exposures are now being blocked. This is not only happening in Thailand. Slowly but surely we move towards 1984 Big Brother style censorship where we can only read about what they allow us to read and view what they allow us to view. They own the TV, they own Hollywood, they own Newspapers and control news agencies. Now they are going to control the internet. Oh well, it was good while it lasted but alas the sheep pen gate is fast closing shut on us! Everyone say Baa!
So stop reading papers and the internet, watching TV news, or listening to talk radio and news. Then all you have to be careful of is running into people like me in a bar! 
My brain is like an Internet browser; 12 tabs are open and 5 of them are not responding, there's a GIF playing in an endless loop,... and where is that annoying music coming from?
