Bangkok Police Target Four Media Outlets Amid Protest Crackdown
In a move that’s set tongues wagging across the news circuit, Thai authorities have launched an investigation into four major news sites and a protest group’s Facebook page. The push came under emergency measures declared last week to quash a three‑month protest march aimed at ousting Prime Minister Prayuth Chan‑ocha.
Why the Investigation?
A police memo dated 16 October explains the impetus:
- The government alleges that fragments of the content “have been twisted” and used to stir public unrest.
- Intelligence units claim the material “created confusion” and contributed to social instability.
Police spokesman Kissan Phathanacharoen told a press conference that the main goal is to hand the case to Thailand’s broadcast regulator and digital ministry for a thorough review. “We’re not looking to choke press freedom,” he assured the crowd.
Digital Ministry’s Take
Spokesman Putchapong Nodthaisong revealed that the ministry has already sought court orders to shutter roughly 300,000 pieces of content that allegedly violate Thai law. The targeted outlets—four local news platforms and a protest page—are among the most vocal in the opposition.
Outlets Respond
Independent site Prachatai braced itself for what it called a “censorship order” and pledged to continue reporting on human rights and political developments. A quick tweet from their English account (“Honored to report accurate info about human rights… we’ll do our best to keep doing so”) echoed their resolve.
Free‑Media Advocacy Steps In
The Manushya Foundation, an online freedom watchdog, slammed the crackdown as a calculated attempt to silence truthful reporting. Director Emilie Palamy Pradichit warned that the military‑backed government seems to be feeding fear, “since the ban on protests didn’t work, we now fear telling the truth.” The group urged all free‑media outlets to stand firm.
Current State of Protest
The government also banned gatherings of more than five people, kicking off protests that have been burning daily. Police estimate about 20,000 demonstrators gathered in Bangkok this month alone, with thousands more hopping onto the scene across the country.
<img alt="" data-caption="Pro-democracy protesters shine their mobile phone lights during an anti-government protest, in Bangkok, Thailand, Oct 18, 2020.
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Bangkok in a Stir: Protests Hang in Balance Over the PM & the Monarchy
Police chief Piya Tawichai round‑up the morning yell: “We’ll prosecute everyone.” He added that 74 protesters have been nabbed since Oct. 13. The city’s streets are pulsing with a chorus seeking the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth and a splash of reform for King Vajiralongkorn.
Why the Fight Matters
In short, the people are upset over two core snags:
- Election Integrity – Opponents claim Prayuth rigged last year’s vote to stay in charge after the 2014 coup. He insists it was a fair election.
- Monarchy Power – Protesters vocalise an urgent wish to trim the king’s powers, calling for reforms that would shift the monarchy from a largely ceremonial role to a more modern symbol.
What’s Happening on the Ground?
The demonstrators are putting up a 24‑hour pledge: “Show up every day.” However, a concrete schedule for Monday’s protests still remains a mystery. The Royal Palace, meanwhile, stays tight‑lipped, offering nothing in reply.
Prayuth’s Stance
In a speech at Government House this Monday, Prayuth was clear: I’m not stepping down. He proposes a special parliamentary session to grapple with the current chaos, riding on the support of a majority in the legislature.
“We’re just urging folks not to sabotage the government or wreck public property,” he told reporters. “Our duty is to safeguard the monarchy.”
Key Takeaways
- Police are making a name for themselves—74 arrests since mid‑October.
- The protest movement is three‑fold: Prime Minister resignation, monarchy reform, and a demand for fair elections.
- Calls to step back are loud, but the PM stands firm, seeking a parliamentary fix.
As Bangkok’s neon glow continues to flicker, the city watches closely to see if the drums of change will finally be heard.
