EU concerned about internet freedom in Thailand
The European Union has expressed serious concerns about internet freedom in Thailand. A Thai web editor has been sentenced because others posted critical comments about the king on her site. Thailand has thus taken a new step in the fierce fight against insults from King Bhumibol.
Chiranuch Premchaiporn, who runs the much-visited Prachatai news website, was given an eight-month suspended prison sentence. The site contained messages written by others critical of the Thai royal family. One post would have been online for at least twenty days. Unacceptably long, the Bangkok Criminal Court ruled.
Heavy censorship laws
Thailand's censorship laws are among the most draconian in the world. Especially insulting King Bhumibol, the Queen and Crown Prince are severely punished. Compared to the usual sanctions, Premchaiporn's sentence is quite light.
Google has condemned the verdict as a "serious threat" to the future of the internet in Thailand. A spokesman points out that telecommunications companies are also not punished if people insult the king in a telephone conversation.
The 84-year-old King Bhumibol is the longest reigning monarch in the world and is revered by many in Thailand. He is seen as a binding figure in a country that is politically divided.
Sources: Wereldomroep/ANP
I do not believe this article lends itself to comment. I think that every non-Thai thinks about the same about this, but it is better not to write it down.
Yes, let the EU worry about the internet 10.000 Km away from here…as if we don't have enough worries here while the Thai economy is growing at 7% per year !!!
Just stick to the norms and values of a democratic civilization and nothing will happen to you (anywhere).
What's the point of mentioning all kinds of threatening things when you're just going on vacation and e-mailing your grandmother.
See the sunny side once sang a cabaret artist… and so it is.
Don't worry in this land of manure and fog (a Dutch poet)
You can also enjoy here in NL!
Frank F
I don't know if I understand the above email, but I have the impression that the message is : just have your ass and your head in the sand. What you don't know doesn't hurt, and what you do know you don't really want to know.
Hahaha, if I could click “Like” I would have!