SEAPA expresses concern over government officials’ comments on lese majeste cases
The ill-defined law, allowing anyone to file an accusation, and the government’s tacit approval of it puts at risk the work of media practitioners and online commentators, and the sharing of information online, warns SEAPA.
Journalists subjected to intimidation tactics over Red Shirt coverage, interview with prime minister
Red Shirt movement members displeased with an interview with the prime minister are believed to be behind e-mails calling for readers to “take care of” a broadcast journalist.
Blogger released on bail, faces charges
Norawase Yospiyasathien faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail for the charge of lese majeste and another 5 years under the Computer Crimes Act.
Human Rights Watch calls for investigation into environmentalist’s murder
Thongnak Sawekchinda had reportedly received anonymous calls threatening him with death if he continued to protest against the coal industry in Samut Sakhon province.
Magazine editor charged with lese majeste
Somyot Prueksakasemsuk was formally charged in connection with two articles he published in the now-banned magazine “Voice of Thaksin”.
Media targeted in political transition
Police and National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) officials justified the raids and seizures on charges that the stations targeted lacked proper operating licenses, according to local press reports.
Elected officials urged to make human rights a priority, address increasing media repression
During the election campaign, parties and candidates paid little attention to the country’s deepening human rights crisis, Human Rights Watch said.
A year after riots, journalists still face safety concerns and impunity issues
SEAPA, TJA, ISRA Institute and the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association hosted a forum to reflect on the year that has passed and what lessons could be drawn from covering the clashes.
History professor faces lèse majesté complaint
Somsak Jeamteerasakul has been criticised by the military and the Yellow Shirts royalist group for his statements about the monarchy.
Editor detained on lese majeste charges as opposition radio stations raided
Somyot Prueksakasemsuk was arrested at a border checkpoint while attempting to cross into neighboring Cambodia; he was escorted by police back to Bangkok, where he is being held without bail.
Human Rights Watch report documents government crackdown on 2010 Red Shirt protests
The report documents government censorship and use of criminal charges to undermine media freedom and freedom of expression.
New cyber crime draft law shelved in face of civil society opposition
The bill, which was meant to replace the controversial Computer Crime Act of 2007, was put on hold by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva amidst strong criticism from civil society groups.
Thirteen community radio stations ordered closed, three media workers arrested, for airing lese majeste speech
Four of the 13 stations were run by the Red Shirts, two of these were identified as 105.40 MHz channel and the 96.35 MHz “Red Skills” station, both in Pathum Thani, a province adjacent to Bangkok.
TJA calls on prime minister to support World Press Freedom Day
A series of activities aimed at raising public awareness of press freedom, freedom of expression and journalists’ code of ethics will be held on 3 May 2011.
Erratic investigation into Japanese cameraman’s death yields “utterly unsatisfactory” findings, deplores RSF
The provisional conclusion that the security forces did not fire the shot that killed Hiro Muramoto betrays a reluctance to shed light on the circumstances of his death and identify those responsible, RSF said.
Web designer sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment for lese majeste, cyber-crime law violation
Thantawut Thaweewarodomkul was charged by the Technological Crimes Suppression Division (TCSD) for posting offensive messages and for failure to immediately remove an offensive message.