Does State of Emergency Justify Censorship in Thailand?

Bangkok has not in peaceful since its former Prime Minister Mr Thaksin Shinawatra was forced to step down in 2006. Since that time, all the former prime ministers were overthrown by the country's protest group. The infamous incident would be the takeover of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport in 2008 by protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). The purpose claimed was to remove then government and would like to provoke the army to step in and depose the former prime minister, Somchai Wongsawat. All the flights were cancelled and thousand of tourists were stranded in airport during the invasion. This has seriously jeopardized the country's reputation and tourism aspect.

  Police stand guard as anti-government protesters block the main road at Suvarnabhumi international airport Police stand guard as anti-government protesters block the main road at Suvarnabhumi international airport

The present Thai government in order to pacify and overwhelm the feeling of its people, they have been controlling local media which affiliate and support the Red Shirt since a state of emergency was imposed in Bangkok  and many other provinces in 2009.

Reporters without Borders thinks it is natural for the attorney general office to prosecute media that carried appeal for violence. But the press freedom organization thinks that this action should be taken by the court and they wish to call for an end to the censorship of media.

A lot of grumbles and complaints from local and international media saying that these was not justified for the band of its media activities. Dozens of Television channels and community radios were forced to shut down, especially those based in the Red Shirt provinces. According the The Nation, 35 Red Shirt radio journalists have been prosecuted for inciting the listeners to participate in the Red Shirt demonstrations. Local print media also can't be escaped from the harm. Although the website of the main Thai media have not been affected by the censorship, many alternative sites its official opposition websites which suspected of supporting the Red Shirt movement have been blocked, even the official opposition website such as UDD Thailand and Norporchor USA are no longer accessible in Thailand.

Reporter without Borders is concerning about the long term consequences of the media of the restriction imposed by government and army. They have no clue what will happen if the censorship is to be continue in the country. They afraid that this may be worsen the current nation's situation.


Image Source: Guardian.co.uk
Article Source: 1. Thailand protest strands thousands of tourists at Bangkok airport
                          2. Does state of emergency justify censorship in Thailand?