Thailand Bans Tv Station Over Protest Coverage

By Linda Khoo BANGKOK, Oct 21 (Bernama) – Thailand’s Criminal Court Tuesday ordered the suspension of an online TV station over its anti-government protest coverage. Deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Puchapong Nodtaisong said Voice TV’s online platforms have breached the Computer Crime Act by disseminating false information. “It also defies the emergency decree. The court has ordered to close down all platforms of Voice TV. “However, the court has yet to rule on another three media outlets,” he said at a press conference here Tuesday. Voice TV, partly owned by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluck were among four media outlets and a Facebook page of protest group, Free Youth that faced investigation over the protest coverage last week. Last Thursday, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan o-cha declared a ‘Serious Emergency Situation in Bangkok’ to ban gatherings of five or more people, effective from 4 am (local time) in a bid to end three months of student-led street protests. It also prohibits the publication of news and other online messages that could affect national security and create fear or disseminate false information. Meanwhile, Voice TV chief executive officer, Mekin Petplai said it has yet to receive the court order. “Voice TV upholds journalistic principles and never distort facts or context. We will continue our work and stand firm with democracy as well as adopt open and transparent reporting,” he said. Meanwhile, the cabinet Tuesday approved the holding of a special parliamentary session to discuss the on-going anti-government protests. Anucha Nakasai, Minister for the Prime Minister’s Office, said the House would meet for two days from Oct 26. The request came from House Speaker Chuan Leekpai. Both government coalition and opposition parties supported the request. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister ordered the police and relevant authorities to reconsider orders limiting media publication and be aware of the rights and freedom of the media, a day after police ordered the probe against four media outlets and a Facebook page of a protest group that violated the emergency decree. “Some (media) have been publishing false information and distorting facts and inciting the public. Therefore, I want the authorities to adhere to the legal principles when proceeding with legal actions,” he said. Meanwhile, the protest organisers took a break Tuesday after five days of protests in Bangkok. Earlier, the protesters were told to gather at the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) and Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Skytrain stations to show the 3-finger “The Hunger Games” salute during the national anthem, which is played at 6 pm (local time) every day. However, after the national anthem, the protest organisers posted that the big surprise was “taking a rest” and “Please wait for another big announcement tomorrow”. The protesters continue to stage the protest at several places including the BTS and MRT stations here. -- BERNAMA