Bangkok Post: More Crocodile Tears about Media Censorship

EDITORIAL

The threat to media freedom

Bangkok Post


The resignation of four media representatives from the committee drafting a new press bill bodes poorly for the chance of press freedom. The four quit in frustration when it became evident that other committee members intend to hold control of the media by means dating back to the unlamented military dictatorships.

The insistence on keeping the 1941 Printing Act as the media cornerstone of the regime under the new constitution may seem just another disappointment. In fact, the problem is more basic. A process which refuses to recognise freedom of the press is so deeply flawed that it cannot be depended upon to protect any basic rights of citizens. The resignations of the media representatives confirms that the government, police, military and civil service are unwilling even to negotiate the matter of press freedom. Thailand may have gained dozens of newspapers, hundreds of broadcasting stations, thousands of websites but authorities still believe that a 1941 law covers all.

Continued


Another horribly written, hypocritical editorial lamenting the loss of press freedom in Thailand.

The Bangkok Post really is not much better than The Nation. It has always been a conservative government mouthpiece. It should also examine its own culpability in sustaining the illiberal status quo rather than blaming the government for being overly repressive against the press.

And, of course, the irony of press representatives quitting their positions in the junta appointed parliament doesn't escape me. They allied themselves with the junta. Now they are upset that the military wants to keep a lid on the press. What do they expect! ? This is the way the military has always been, which is why they control the radio stations and broadcast media.

I remember when the coup happened, General Sonthi said that they were going to restore real democracy. He lied, of course. But who really should be shocked by that?