'Facebook blocked in Thailand'

In large parts of Thailand, Facebook users were unable to open their accounts today. The blockade started at 3pm, but most users were able to use Facebook again at XNUMX:XNUMXpm.

The blockade provoked a storm of protests on Twitter, among others, blaming the new military rulers. From that side, however, any involvement was denied, it would be a technical problem in the telecommunications system.

An army spokesman, Sirichan Nga-thong, said the junta had not ordered Facebook to be blocked. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology also added that a “new national gateway” was being installed to better filter the Internet and monitor social media for inflammatory material.

However, some users are not so convinced, speculating that it is a trial for a possible “blackout” or a social media warning not to publish criticisms of the coup. Indeed, the junta has previously issued a warning that social media platforms would be blocked if they incite violence or criticize military leaders.

There was also a massive response to Thaivisa, eight pages of the most silly claptrap (no FB with me, oh, now it's back, no problem here), but also a number of funny statements:

“Productivity in many companies will have increased by 95% during the lockdown.”

“Many Thai women will suddenly look up from their tablets, laptops and cell phones and think, 'Who's that guy sitting across from me?'

"This is the end, you can now expect a multitude of suicide attempts from those for whom life without FB no longer makes sense."

"Think of all those Farangs abroad who think their 'girlfriend' wants to avoid them".

“If Candy Crush can't be played, productivity will increase in many companies!”. 

“A national disaster! You now have to eat without having put a picture of your food on FB”.

“A good thing, maybe people will talk to each other again during dinner instead of being busy with their mobile phones in between”.