Thailand’s government cracking down on “misleading” media

Pro-democracy protesters hold up their mobile phones with lights during an anti-government rally at Asok in Bangkok on October 18, 2020, as they continue for the fourth consecutive day to defy an emergency decree banning gatherings. (Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP)

Thai authorities have started a clampdown on broadcast and digital media alleged to have disseminated information or images deemed to be abetting the anti-government protests or to be misleading public about the protests.

Officials from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), the national media regulator, are to file complaints with the police today against some media outlets, including a few digital media platforms.  They are to face charges of violating the Computer Crime Act and the Emergency Decree.

Among the first group of alleged offenders are Voice TV (both broadcast and digital media), Prachatai, The Reporters, The Standard and the Free Youth Movement.   These media outlets are known for their open support for the anti-government protesters

DES Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta today assured the public that there will not be a blackout of media outlets.

He also gave assurances that authorities will exercise caution in dealing with such media outlets, including livestreaming, and will take legal action against them only if there is solid incriminating evidence to support the charges.

The minister insisted that officials were not selective in their enforcement of the law, adding that all the alleged offenders will be treated in accordance with their alleged offences

According to Mr. Putchong Ntethaisong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES), there are more than 320,000 cases of alleged violations of the Computer Crime Act and the Emergency Decree now being prepared for legal action.

He said, however, that priority will be given to the cases of people who first shared online posts by individuals who are known to be vocal critics of the Monarchy, such as Pavin Chachavalpongpun and Somsak Jiamthirasakul, both exiled academics in Japan and France respectively, as well as an anti-government protest leader Panupong Jardnok, alias Mike Rayong.

He said that there are some media outlets, which allegedly first shared the posts deemed to be illegal, namely Voice TV, Prachatai, The Reporters and the Standard, as well as Free Youth Movement.

He also warned that, if the internet or platform providers do cease these “illegal” posts, the DES will take legal action against them, in accordance with the Computer Crime Act.

Mr. Putchong also warned netizens not to share posts or images which are deemed to be in violation of the Computer Crime Act or the Emergency Decree or face legal consequences.