Journalism not a crime, censorship not an option - Thai Enquirer chief

The editor-in-chief of Thai Enquirer Cod Satrusayang has hit out against the administration of General Prayut Chan-ocha for its move to investigate and possibly shut down several Thai news outlets, including The Standard, The Reporter, Prachathai, and Voice TV, as the regime attempts a media crackdown in the wake of pro-democracy protests in Thailand.

"Journalism is not a crime, and censorship is not an option," said Satrusayang.

"That the government of Prayut Chan-ocha would choose to censor free and digital media at a time of national emergency is indicative of the type of government that it actually is.

"Whether that censorship is in whole or in part, both are unacceptable to a free and fair society," he said.

Satrusayang added that instead of dialogue and opening up discussion and press, the government has chosen to censor, shutdown, and intimidate journalists working to present the news.

"The government of Prayut Chan-ocha should, instead of censoring the press, read the content of new and digital media to understand the grievances and viewpoints of the people it claims to represent."

"The Thai Enquirer calls on the government to rescind the gag order immediately and to engage in dialogue with the press, the opposition and the people," he said.

Thai police said on Monday they had ordered an investigation of four news outlets under emergency measures introduced last week and imposed curbs on messaging app Telegram to try to stop three months of protests against the government and monarchy.

According to a police document dated Oct 16, investigations have been ordered into content from four media outlets as well as the Facebook page of a protest group.

“We received information from intelligence units concerned that parts of the content and distorted information have been used and disseminated to cause confusion and instigate causing unrest to society,” police spokesperson Kissana Phathanacharoen told a news conference.

He said it was for Thailand’s broadcast regulator and digital ministry to investigate and take appropriate action, adding that there was no plan to curb press freedom.

Putchapong Nodthaisong, a spokesperson for the digital ministry, said it had requested court orders to take down content by the four media outlets and the Facebook page of the protest group Free Youth, among more than 300,000 pieces of content it said violated Thai laws over the last week.

The Manushya Foundation, an independent group which campaigns for online freedom, called the measures an attempt to silence free media.

“Since the ban on protests did not work, the military-backed government hopes to create fear of telling the truth,” its director Emilie Palamy Pradichit said. “We urge free media to resist.”

Protesters seek the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth, accusing him of engineering last year’s election to keep hold of power he first seized in a 2014 military coup. He claimed the election was fair.

The protesters have also grown more vocal in demanding reforms to the monarchy to reduce the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The Royal Palace has made no comment on the protests or protesters’ demands.

Malaysian solidarity with Thai protestors

Meanwhile, Malaysian NGO National Human Rights Network (JHAM) is coordinating a virtual candlelight vigil in solidarity with the democratic struggle in Thailand at 8pm today.

The vigil on Zoom will be attended by Malaysian NGO leaders and prominent Thai exile activists

PSM's International Affairs Bureau representative Choo Chon Kai also wrote an open letter to Thailand's ambassador to Malaysia Narong Sasitorn, expressing deep concern over the Prayut administration's suppression of the pro-democracy movement.

"We have witnessed a massive wave of pro-democracy demonstration in recent month, which puts forward demands for democratic reforms.

"The government of Thailand led by Prayut Chan-o-cha has responded with repressive measure including the declaration of ‘severe’ state of emergency on Oct 15, 2020.”

Choo said a number of pro-democracy activists have been arrested in recent days and many were denied bail. Most of them were charged with “sedition” or violating the newly promulgated Emergency Decree.

"This is an attempt by the Thai government to silence dissent and suppress the pro-democracy movement," he added.

The pro-democracy activists who have been arrested are human rights lawyer Anon Nampa, student activists Prasit Karutarote, Parit Chiwarak, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul and Nutchanon Pairoj, and former lèse-majesté prisoners Ekachai Hongkangwan and Somyot Pruksakasemsuk.

"We strongly condemn the government of Thailand for the ongoing crackdown on the pro-democracy movement," said Choo.