Thai Activists Campaign against Democrats banning websites
Bangkok, Thailand: An online campaign started yesterday against the Thai Democrat party and its MP Thepthai Senpong after they targeted 29 websites for allegedly criticising the monarchy. An online petition, http://www.gopetition.com/online/19589.html, was sent to internet users via email and posted on blogs, urging the cyber community to join a campaign to protect freedom of expression.
The Democrat party and Mr Thepthai last week called on police to take action against 29 websites which they said portrayed the monarchy in a poor light. At the party's prompting, police investigated the websites and their operators.
Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung also threatened legal action against operators of websites posting information that challenges the monarchy.
According to the online petition, the Democrat party complaint challenged freedom of expression.
Several websites presented sound academic views and did not insult the monarchy as claimed.
''The unspecific accusations made by Mr Thepthai are a mistake, lacking substance. It is just pressure to stop people expressing their opinions,'' said the petition.
It opposed any attempt to use the monarchy as a political tool, and accused the Democrat party and Mr Thepthai of using the institution as a weapon against their political opponents and causing a social rift.
''We demand the Democrat party and Mr Thepthai show responsibility, stop smearing others and stop trying to prevent people from expressing their views.''
The petition also urged internet users to uphold freedom of expression and make the internet a learning community.
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has expressed concern over attempts to stifle freedom of expression on open-forum discussions about the monarchy on websites and blogs.
The AHRC said it had received reports that at least two of the 29 websites had been blocked and their operators charged under the Computer Crime Act.
They were websites for a quarterly-magazine, Fah Diew Kan, sameskybooks.org and an alternative online media website, prachatai.com.
Source: The Bangkok Post