Prachathai webmaster: I did my best | Bangkok Post: breakingnews

Former Prachathai webmaster Chiranuch Premchaiyaporn has told the Criminal Court she did her very best in trying to keep the web board clear of lese majeste in the face of a mountain of posted comments at a time of great political conflict and vague directives from the authorities.

Chiranuch, 44, said the Foundation for Community Educational Media opened the Prachathai web board soon after they launched the news web Prachathai in 2004. At first there were few opinions posted.

Prachathai web board had clearly spelled out its policy - that it would not  censor opinions and would allow them to be discussed within the bounds of the law, Ms Chiranuch told the Court.

Those who posted opinions were asked not to insult human dignity or libel  any other individuals, she said.

Ms Chiranuch was giving testimony in her own defence in the court on Wednesday.

She was charged on March 6, 2009 with violating Article 14 (to intend, support or allow defamation of royalty)  and Article 15 (intermediary liability) of the Computer Crimes Act. The court was packed with local and foreign observers, including diplomatic representatives.

She told the court that there was a huge increase in the Prachathai online discussions after the Sept 19, 2006 coup — as there were anti-coup movements, political party dissolutions and the drafting of a new constitution.

She consulted the Prachathai board on the issue of strong opinions and risky postings,  and Prachathai had therefore asked that people who wanted to post comment should register in a written format their membership,  and had sought volunteers  - who included doctors, businessmen and lawyers - to help her monitor postings and messages.