Thailand Thought Control by the Dumb Idiots

[Bruce551]

Bangkok Post-Today

The Information and Communications Technology Ministry is to introduce an internet gateway system to block websites containing lese majeste content. ICT Minister Mun Patanotai will also hold a meeting with webmasters today to discuss measures to suppress lese majeste materials.

The gateway system, which could cost between 100 and 500 million baht, could also be used to block other websites considered inappropriate, such as those of terrorist groups or selling pornography.

However, the ministry will focus first on websites with content deemed insulting to the Thai monarchy, Mr Mun said.

Ministry officials are looking into about a thousand websites, he said.

Mr Mun said the ministry has been working with the National Intelligence Agency and the police in cracking down on these sites.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said on Tuesday he has assigned relevant agencies, particularly the ICT Ministry, to take strong action against offenders.

Special Branch Police are monitoring five community radio stations that are also airing content that could be considered lese majeste, a source said.

Ayutthaya Governor Preecha Kamolbut has ordered authorities to monitor all provincial community radio and cable TV stations around the clock.

The police Tuesday ordered officers to take immediate action against offenders without waiting for complaints.

Metropolitan Police chief Suchart Muenkaew said anybody making speeches against the monarchy in public places or via the mass media, particularly community radio stations, would face legal action without exemption.

He has assigned his bureau's investigation centre to set up a team to monitor all community radio broadcasts.

Members of the public can also report lese majeste by calling 191 or the police station in the area where the offence takes place, said Pol Lt-Gen Suchart.

Lese majeste is an offence under article 112 of the Criminal Code, which states that whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, Queen, the heir-apparent or the Regent, shall be jailed for three to 15 years.

Total of 7 reader comments

Page 1 of 1

by Dan K - Oct 29, 2008 09:58

What an absurd waste of resources, not to mention technologically near impossible to achieve. All this is doing is granting the ruling party the power to block opposition party websites under the guise of lese majeste and the "public good".

by general - Oct 29, 2008 08:55

The ICT department has got nothing better to do so they are coming up with another stupid money wasting project.These funds will provide better schools,food and learning materials in the provinces.With these type of people around,how can we expect better things to come?How sad.

by ed - Oct 29, 2008 08:47

It sounds like the beginings of national censorship.

by akeyser - Oct 29, 2008 08:43

For much less they should work with a solution from opendns.com

by [email protected] - Oct 29, 2008 07:53

I am totally opposed to anyone who insults the monarcy of this country and efforts should be made to trace the offending parties but once again we have a government that wants to interfere with the internet and act as big brother to tell us what we can and cannot watch. 500 million baht could better be spent on improving the poverty that still exists in certain areas of this country

by michael(myapm74)/[email protected] - Oct 29, 2008 06:48

Is there a mistake in the report? An amount of 100,000 to 500,000 baht to install firewall is already costly, how much more for 100 to 500 million baht. Ask any computer students either in the high school or university, they can give you a better and less costly solution.

by censorship - Oct 29, 2008 05:45

I feel Thailand will be the new China. Instead of moving forward we are moving back. This is what people should be going to out to the streets and fighting for. This affects everone's human right.

***This is excuse to exorcise censorship control over those in opposition to the government and to oppress basic democratic human rights.

[MisterMatlock]

How much of the 500 million baht is ACTUALLY going into "software to protect the country"? *laugh* :roll:

[LuckyStar]

What an absurd waste of resources, not to mention technologically near impossible to achieve. All this is doing is granting the ruling party the power to block opposition party websites under the guise of lese majeste and the "public good".

Exactly...it's not about lese majeste and the public good, it's all about the governments attempt to control the uninformed into being informed. What losers. And, they will do anything for buck.

[sunsnow]

Wow, Thai monarchy really is in danger considering all the efforts it needs to be protected from the sinister Thai people.

Or...could this just be bigger plan part of preparing for the unavoidable transition in near future and the possible turbulences that might happen then by republicans or who knows who....

The fact of life.

"until you return to the ground,

since from it you were taken;

for dust you are

and to dust you will return"

Genesis 3:19b