"Thailand media gag raises concerns; Junta rule alarms journalists, critics" by Thanyarat Doksone | Associated Press July 20, 2014
BANGKOK — Critics and journalists raised concerns Saturday about the Thai military government’s latest move to tighten its grip on the media by banning them from criticizing the junta’s operations and threatening to immediately suspend the broadcast or publication of content that defies the order.
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My government doesn't have to tighten its grip on the media; it willingly flung itself into its arms.
The National Council for Peace and Order issued an order late Friday prohibiting criticism by anyone using any form of media against the operations of the junta and its personnel.
It also asked media operators and ‘‘any other individuals’’ to refrain from disseminating content banned by the military government, including news and information that could create resistance against the junta.
The edict also prohibited interviews of academics, former civil servants, or former employees of courts, judicial offices, and independent organizations who could ‘‘give opinions in a manner that can inflict or worsen the conflict, distort information, create confusion in the society, or lead to the use of violence.’’
It reads like an AmeriKan newspaper, doesn't it?
Thai Journalists Association chairman Pradit Ruangdit said the junta’s order could affect the people’s rights to obtain news and information and may allow authorities to abuse their power in suspending the broadcast or publication violating the order.
‘‘It is not clear if there will be any warnings, any steps, or any approaches in determining the offense,’’ Pradit said. ‘‘If there is an abuse of power and there is no check and balance process, it is more likely that this will create a bad impact.’’
He said the Thai Journalists Association would call a meeting next week with media executives and professionals to discuss and find a solution to the problem.
Friday’s order was an amended, more comprehensive version of two previous edicts infringing on media freedom issued by the junta after the May 22 military coup.
Shortly before that, the military, exercising provisions under martial law, ordered the closure of 14 partisan television networks and nearly 3,000 unlicensed community radio stations.
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The Thai people seem happy enough.
