Journalists face threats to freedom

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MEDIA SURVEY

Journalists face threats to freedom

Published: 26/02/2011 at 02:59 AM
Newspaper section: News

A "media barometer" study for 2010 shows Thailand's freedom of expression remains curbed by laws such as the Internal Security Act and lese majeste law. This does not include widespread self-censorship and a climate of fear within society.

The Asian Media Barometer survey, whose results were released yesterday, pointed out that such laws were implemented and applied in ways that contravened the letter and spirit of the constitution. The survey was conducted by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung among media professionals and activists.

The growing political polarisation and violent clashes over recent years have brought media reform to a halt and replaced freedom of expression with self-censorship, the survey says.

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About the author

: Writer: Achara Ashayagachat; Position: Reporter

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browser
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Discussion 13 : 27/02/2011 at 08:28 AM13
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D 9 - I find that D 10's addressing of these questions to be so complete, there is not much to add. Only to say that to say that Ratchaprason was an attempt to clear the streets for shoppers is an insult to the intelligence. And that Seh Daeng's mission with the training of the militia in support of the UDD is not a matter of conjecture. It comes from his own lips - in numerous newspaper and television interviews. He was immensely proud of what he was doing. To try to twist this to suit your convenience can not - nor ever will - alter the truth.
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ricefield
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Discussion 12 : 27/02/2011 at 07:48 AM12
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bangmodken - You always claim that the M in B are Reds but you have failed to show any evidence to back up your claims. They well may have been reds and they may well have been other groups. We do not and likely will never know who they are. BTW Seh Daeng wore fatigues which are green not black. Got a clue who assassinated him? It wasn't the M in B or was it?
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ricefield
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Discussion 11 : 27/02/2011 at 07:43 AM11
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bangmodken - In most countries there are rules set out in legislation. Thailand has no such legislation or rules for community radio. While there are some stations, not just red ones BTW, that disseminate misinformation the majority of Community stations fall between the red and yellow lines that spread rumor and misinformation, the majority of us are very community oriented and would love to see a set of rules that we could work within.
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bangmodken
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Discussion 10 : 27/02/2011 at 04:19 AM10
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Community radios that speads mis-information and falsehood or incites violence and unrest will be closed down in most countries.I guess sticking to publicize facts that can be backed up by evidence is really hard for some people.
To claim that the only reason why there was a crackdown at Rachaprasong was because shoppers couldn't enter the malls and stores is both laughable yet cruel and cold-hearted.When one see who wrote it though,its hardly a surprise.
The Men-in-black was Seh Daengs militia/the armed wing of UDD.He repeatedly said so himself. I,for one,think I'll choose to believe him as he was always bang-on target as to where/when and how when he predicted an attack on PAD,the Security-forces,unarmed civilians or a public figure.
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ricefield
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Discussion 9 : 26/02/2011 at 11:41 PM9
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Disc 8 - in the UK a paramilitary group operating to create havoc would have become a major focal point of the police and other concerned government agencies and probably the SAS. In Thailand the major focal point was clearing protesters so shoppers could go to the store, not the capture of the Men in Black. Therein lies the Major difference in thinking between the UK and Thailand. We still don't know, with any certainty, which side the Men in Black were actually on, they could have been reds, yellows, greens, disgruntled military that were passed over or even agent provocateurs.
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browser
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Discussion 8 : 26/02/2011 at 10:15 PM8
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D 7 - Good to connect with you again. The very comprehensive list of protest activities that you outlined from the UK did not include the presence of a paramilitary group surrounding the protest site as Ratchaprason had, as witnessed by independant international news agencies. I reiterate that such activities either briefly, or over the period of two months, would not have been tolerated in the UK.
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mrexpat
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Discussion 7 : 26/02/2011 at 08:55 PM7
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I said is getting like Iran not the same Yet. - Maybe i should have said Burma??
As for protests in UK - Student protests (certain couple got blocked and attacked), EDL, Anti Bankers/capitalist, G20, G8, Local cuts protests to name a few, nobody was shot in the head.
We use water cannons, horses, 'Kettling' as alot of middle east countries do.
I was there for the red and yellows and the military coup i have got out since.
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wynner
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Discussion 6 : 26/02/2011 at 08:03 PM6
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Well Browser, I wish I could agree and find myself disappointed that the BP editors found my initial post unacceptable. BP still does edit. Maybe they will print this and my original post to let you decide for yourself.
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browser
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Discussion 5 : 26/02/2011 at 07:33 PM5
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D 4 - Good to connect wtih you. Well, your comments have certainly not been censored here, have they ? And I think that is a rather convincing litmus test. If Thailand indeed becomes like Iran, then these exchanged comments would not be possible, would they ? So you may take comfort in that. In reference to the events of last year, as someone who has been living here during that whole period, let me assure you that there is much more than meets the eye. As England is your origin, let me just say that if that situation was replicated in your country ( which I had the pleasure of residing in at one time ) you likely might have looked at this differently, as the seige of a city is generally unthinkable in Western society, unless of course, you can think of a precendent.
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mrexpat
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Discussion 4 : 26/02/2011 at 06:55 PM4
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This is all down to the Thai Junta (army)
THere are currently around 250,00 websites banned in thailand. Even publications such as 'Economist' was banned - this is a joke as it was banned because of somebody that actually reads it.
They shoot and kill there own people (when Gaddaffi does it he is an evil dictator) but it seems to be ok when abhisit orders army to do it(or maybe he didnt as he has no control)
THis country is turning into Iran i think
THere are double standards - red shirts arson is terrorism but PAD airport closure is fun
I think education or lack of it is the true cause of thai problems but no one is brave enough to change it - to all thais - enjoy facebook whilst you can i am sure there are too many anti thai, anti thai government pages on it. Also maybe take alook at bbc forums - there is alot more open chat about certain thai matters on there - maybe next to get a ban who knows
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