(CPJ/IFEX) – CPJ received the following letter from the Thai government in response to their protest regarding alleged political intimidation of the Bangkok-based daily “Thai Post”: **Updates IFEX alerts of 16 July and 15 July 1999** August 2, 1999 Secretariat of the Prime Minister Government Spokesman Bureau Government House Bangkok 10300 Dear Ms. Cooper, I […]
(CPJ/IFEX) – CPJ received the following letter from the Thai government in
response to their protest regarding alleged political intimidation of the
Bangkok-based daily “Thai Post”:
**Updates IFEX alerts of 16 July and 15 July 1999**
August 2, 1999
Secretariat of the Prime Minister
Government Spokesman Bureau
Government House
Bangkok 10300
Dear Ms. Cooper,
I wish to refer to your letter dated July 15 1999, concerning the unexpected
act of intimidation against the Thai Post newspaper by Deputy Prime Minister
Trairong Suwankiri’s private secretary during the night of Tuesday 13 July
1999.
We have brought your concerns to the attentions of HE Prime Minister Chuan
Leekpai and I have subsequently been asked to make the following
clarification regarding the Government’s position:
The Government has never nor will it ever support the settlement of a
dispute by means of violence. Intimidation, whether verbal or through the
use of force, is not used, condoned, nor supported by the Government and
should not be used by elected politicians who have pledged to serve their
people and country. As public figures, politicians have to learn to cope
with different types of people, to patiently accept criticism, and to show
flexibility when appropriate. At the same time, however, they should also
uphold their principles and the rule of law.
Today, Thailand is regarded as having one of the freest press in Southeast
Asia and in the world. We respect the international journalist ethics, which
means that the media has the freedom to express their opinions, to criticize
or comment on any topic permitted under the present Constitution. Indeed, as
Thailand is fast developing into a regional and an international center for
news services, the Government is pleased to welcome views and opinions from
not only the public but also the Thai and international media.
As for this alleged incident, the Government has not hesitated to take
action by asking for a written clarification from Mr. Trairong Suwankiri
although we are aware that this might lead to discrepancies and other
contending reports about the actual event. The Government, however, wishes
to reiterate once again our firm commitment to the rule of law. We do
respect the rights of the media to exercise its voice and opinion. The
media, however, should also show respect for others as well — this, because
we believe the media should exercise self-control, which should be the best
mechanism to ensure the media as a whole becomes more responsible and
ethical in their practices.
Again, it is our sincere hope that this incident will be the last.
Yours sincerely,
Akapol Sorasuchart
Government Spokesman
