Following the Prayut Chan-ocha’s administration’s decision to investigate and possibly shut down several Thai news outlets including the Standard, the Reporter, Prachathai, and Voice TV, the editorial board of Thai Enquirer would like to publish the following statement:
Journalism is not a crime, censorship is not an option.
That the government of Prayut Chan-ocha would choose to censor free and digital media at a time of national emergency is indicative of the type of government that it actually is. Whether that censorship is in whole or in part, both are unacceptable to a free and fair society.
Instead of dialogue, opening up discussion and press, the government has chosen to embrace its authoritarian roots and censor, shutdown, and intimidate journalists working to present the news.
The government of Prayut Chan-ocha should, instead of censoring the press, read the content of new and digital media to understand the grievances and viewpoints of the people it claims to represent.
The Thai Enquirer calls on the government to rescind the gag order immediately and to engage in dialogue with the press, the opposition and the people.
Sincerely,
Cod Satrusayang
Thai Enquirer
Editor in Chief