Posted by Elena Fominykh 24 March 2008 (
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Censorship in Thailand
Freedom of speech in Thailand was guaranteed in the 1997 but with one condition -censorship could be imposed to the materials that might be objectionable, harmful or sensitive in order to preserve national security, maintain public order, preserve the rights of others, protect public morals, and prevent criticism of the royal family and insults to Buddhism. In addition, criticism of the King is banned by the Constitution.
Thailand has a long history of censorship. Reporters Without Borders world-wide press freedom index 2005 ranked Thailand 107th out of 167 countries. (1)
The Royal Thai Police Special Branch has the authority to issue warnings to publications for various violations such as disturbing the peace, interfering with public safety, or offending public morals.
All films, VCDs and DVDs are placed under scrutiny of the Censorship Board prior to public release, as stipulated by the Film Act of 1930, which remains in effect as of 2007. The National Police was responsible for screening films and videos until September 2005, when the government's Ministry of Culture took over the function. Every VCD and DVD sold for home viewing must bear a stamp that it has passed the Censorship Board.
Internet censorship is affected in Thailand by two methods. The Royal Thai Police blocks approximately 32 500 websites and the Communications Authority of Thailand a further unspecified number directly at Thailand's Internet gateway. (2)
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has recently begun a new online campaign that includes a plan to “improve and edit all the information about Thailand” in thousands of articles in order to create a better reputation for Thai tourism among travelers worldwide.
Thai people in general are supportive of censorship and look at it in positive way, probably due to the patronage system and a conflict avoidance attitude.
(1) Reporters sans frontières - Annual Worldwide Press Freedom Index - 2005
(2) Wikipedia – free Encyclopedia
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