The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is alarmed that Thailand’s severe lese majesty laws have again imposed restrictions on independent and critical reporting of important issues in Thailand, with the current edition of The Economist withdrawn from sale in the country for fear of drawing harsh penalties against distributors of the magazine.
The well-respected magazine’s 6-10 December issue carries articles which comment critically on the role of Thailand’s monarchy and King Bhumibol Adulyadej in national politics, and refer to the negative effects of lese majesty laws in fuelling self-censorship by both local and international media.
A spokeswoman for the magazine was reported as saying The Economist decided to withdraw the edition from sale in Thailand because distributors were at risk of being accused of lese majesty, which carries penalties of up to 15 years’ jail.
Thai police were reported to have discussed the matter with importers and distributors of the magazine and noted that there was no need to impose a ban because distributors agreed not to sell the magazine.
However, the articles remain accessible on The Economist’s website, which is reported not to have been blocked in Thailand.
“The simmering tensions in Thailand will not be allayed by blocking people’s right to publicly question and analyse the country’s political and social environment and structures,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.
“The constant threat of lese majesty penalties is a significant obstacle to the open and free dialogue that is necessary for peaceful resolution of conflict.”
Thailand's lese majesty laws are among the strictest in the world and are used frequently by power-holders to silence criticism. Thailand’s constitution dictates reverence for the King must not be violated, while the criminal code allows for a penalty of three to 15 years’ jail for “defaming, insulting or threatening” the King, Queen, Heir-apparent or Regent. Lese majesty complaints can be filed by any individual and police are required to investigate all complaints.
Lese majesty charges were laid recently against Australian writer Harry Nicolaides, who has been held in detention in Bangkok since late August on accusations of offending the monarchy in a novel published several years ago.
“Thailand’s lese majesty laws take the country on the path followed by closed societies,” Ms Park said.
The IFJ calls on all sides in Thailand’s political conflict to recognise the essential value of open discussion in resolving disputes, and to take a public position in defence of a free media and the right to freedom of expression.
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries worldwide