Thai website blocked for debating coup
The website of Bangkok’s Midnight University included a discussion forum where academics questioned the military’s stated commitment to democratic reform in light of tough new restrictions on the media and political parties. The page containing the online discussion was replaced with a message that read: "This page is temporarily blocked because this discussion board contained messages that were insulting to the monarchy."
A professor who oversaw the website said he believed the junta, which took power on September 19 and which claims to have the king’s blessing, felt threatened by the academics’ opinions.
"I think the junta was upset about messages posted a few days ago on the website about the limits on civil liberties," said professor Nidhi Eoseewong, who helped found Midnight University. "The junta should allow the media, including the Midnight University website, to have the freedom to inform people and then let the people make their own decision about what they believe – if the junta truly intends to achieve political reform."
In the days after the coup, the junta banned online discussion groups as well as radio call-in shows, in a bid to clamp down on the public’s ability to express opinions. Nidhi said he believed the junta feared the website would be used by supporters of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to foment opposition to the coup.
The junta enshrined its powers Sunday in an interim constitution that will guide the country until elections promised for October 2007. The generals were also expected to appoint a prime minister, widely tipped to be a retired army chief.
Inet-Bridge
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