CPJ protests political intimidation; inquiry ordered into intimidation of newspaper

(CPJ/IFEX) – CPJ is concerned over a recent attempt to intimidate the staff of the “Thai Post” that was directed by an aide to Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwankhiri. CPJ does, however, welcome Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai’s pledge on 15 July 1999 to order an inquiry into the incident. **Updates IFEX alert of 15 July […]

(CPJ/IFEX) – CPJ is concerned over a recent attempt to intimidate the staff
of the “Thai Post” that was directed by an aide to Deputy Prime Minister
Trairong Suwankhiri. CPJ does, however, welcome Prime Minister Chuan
Leekpai’s pledge on 15 July 1999 to order an inquiry into the incident.

**Updates IFEX alert of 15 July 1999**

On 13 July, in the late evening, Trairong’s private secretary led seven
armed men into the offices of the “Thai Post”, a Thai-language daily
newspaper, and demanded to see the reporter who had written an article about
Trairong’s visit to a fishing village in southern Thailand. The article,
published in the newspaper’s 12 July edition, stated that Trairong had been
too afraid to meet with protesting fishermen during his trip.

Trairong’s secretary, Chalie Noppawong na Ayuthaya, complained that the
story was untrue and had tarnished Trairong’s reputation. Backed by his
armed companions, Chalie asked that the newspaper issue a correction to the
report. According to an Associated Press interview with “Thai Post” editor
Kannikar Viriyakul, Chalie then threatened that “he would come back, but in
a different manner” if the newspaper published another unflattering story
about his boss. The group occupied the newspaper’s offices for about an
hour, but left without injuring staff members or damaging any property.

Recommended Action

His Excellency Chuan Leekpai

Prime Minister

Office of the Prime Minister

Government House

Bangkok 10300, Thailand

Fax: +66 2 282 8587

E-mail: govspkmn@mozart.inet.co.th