InfoAnda - Thailand censors more websites as protests persist

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Jackson mother gets children as legal battles begin | 30 June 2009
Chinese espionage cases touch DuPont, Motorola | | 9 February 2012
Hamas chief Meshaal wants to step down: political sources | | 23 September 2012

Whoopi Goldberg talks pet peeves during one-night show in Miami | 16 January 2011

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Thailand censors more websites as protests persist

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Thailand censors more websites as protests persist By GRANT PECK and THANYARAT DOKSONE,Associated Press Writers - 56 minutes ago Send IM Story Print BANGKOK – George Orwell's "1984" had its Big Brother, and Thailand has Ranongrak Suwanchawee. The country's information minister stares down from billboards along Bangkok's expressways, warning that "Bad websites are detrimental to society" and should be reported to a special hot line. The government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is fighting a battle on at least two major fronts against protesters seeking its ouster. On the streets, a massive force of soldiers and police has only managed to battle them to a standstill. In cyberspace, the authorities have fared little better, despite efforts to block dissenting voices with the threat of lengthy prison terms. Still, it is a struggle for uncensored information to get through, forcing both information providers and consumers to resort to various dodges to penetrate the government's firewall, sometimes using tactics perfected by dissidents in such authoritarian states as China and Iran. The often broad-brush approach to blocking websites even affects surfers just out for some video fun: Live streaming services justin.tv, usteam.tv and livestream.tv have also been blocked, apparently because they host transmissions by the so-called Red Shirt protesters. "Thailand is getting increasingly like China when it comes to Internet censorship," said Poomjit Sirawongprasert, president of the Thai Hosting Service Providers Club. All the while, Thailand's freedom of speech reputation takes a battering. Thailand's standing in the Press Freedom Index of the Paris-based group Reporters Without Borders slipped to 130 last year from 65 in 2002, when the ratings were initiated. The latest crisis in Thailand's past five years of political turmoil has pushed the government into tightening already tough controls over the Internet. The Red Shirts want Abhisit to dissolve Parliament and call early elections, claiming he came to power illegitimately in December 2007 with the help of back-room deals and military pressure. The demonstrators have been camped out on Bangkok's streets for almost two months, during which time protest-related violence has left 29 people dead and almost 1,000 hurt. On April 7, when the government realized that the demonstrators were here to stay, it declared a state of emergency, barring the media, under threat of a ban or censorship, from disseminating any news that "causes panic, instigates violence or affects stability." Immediately it ordered 36 politically oriented websites blocked. It also went after small radio stations that are a key organizing tools for the Red Shirts, as well as their satellite TV connection. Their print media so far has been left alone. And although the order is meant to crack down on inflammatory sites, none belonging to the Red Shirts' ideological opponents _ the royalist Yellow Shirts, whose sites also sometimes contain extremist content _ are known to have been targeted. "Nobody has come out to explain why the websites are blocked, starting with 36, then 190 and later 420," said Supinya Klangnarong, coordinator of the Thai Netizen Network, which promotes freedom of speech on the Internet. She says the actual figure is probably much higher, since there are unofficial ways, such as pressure on internet service providers, to block sites. Web censorship has been going on for years in Thailand. Reporters Without Borders says that cumulatively, over the past few years, more than 50,000 websites or individual pages have been blocked. In fact, the government openly touts its crackdowns on sites that contain content seen in Thailand as immoral _ including those related to pornography and gambling _ and there has been little public outcry. But increasingly the censorship is spreading into news and politics. The big chill began after a military coup deposed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in September 2006, following demonstrations calling on him to step down for alleged corruption and abuse of power. He was also accused of Thailand's biggest political sin: disrespect for the country's esteemed constitutional monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, now 82. Thaksin, a billionaire who made his fortune in telecommunications, was no friend of free speech either, putting political and financial pressure to limit negative reporting from outlets he did not control. But after his ouster, there was a concerted push by those in power to "protect the monarchy" _ going so far as to block all of YouTube for several months because of a few videos it hosted that were deemed insulting to the king. The interim military-installed regime enacted the 2007 Computer Crime Act, which bars the circulation of material deemed detrimental to national security or that causes public panic, and authorities have used it to block thousands of sites. This is often done quietly and many Internet users will see only an error message when they try to visit a blocked page. Websites that serve as mouthpieces for the Red Shirts have been the main targets of government censorship lately. But another one of those first 36 ordered shut after the declaration of the state of emergency was Prachatai.com, which was established by several respected journalists, senators and press freedom activists. It describes itself as an independent, nonprofit, daily Web newspaper that provides information "during an era of serious curbs on the freedom and independence of Thai news media." "The attempt to control the Internet has become very great, even greater than after the coup took place in 2006. But then again, Internet communication has played a bigger role since then," said Prachatai's webmaster, Chiranuch Premchaiporn. Chiranuch was already facing charges of violating the Computer Crime Act by allowing comments "threatening to national security" to be posted on her site, an offense for which she could receive up to 50 years in prison. Prachatai, like others, is playing a cat and mouse game with censors, moving servers out of the country and finding other ways to get its news out. "If they keep blocking, eventually we might have to distribute content via e-mail," Chiranuch said. Users also can circumvent blocking, most typically by using proxy servers, which allow them to connect through a third party computer to disguise their intended destination, and sometimes even software developed to get past firewalls set up by more notorious censors like China and Iran. Chiranuch said censorship is not the answer to Thailand's divisions. "From personal observation, the political crisis intensified after media were suppressed," she said. "The government is looking down on the people. If it believes people in the country are intelligent and smart enough, showing respect by allowing them to consume news and information from all sides is better than blocking them." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles Karzai says civilian deaths hurt Afghan operations AP - 19 minutes ago Violent thunderstorms kill 43 people in India AP - 27 minutes ago Philippines in race to make May 10 vote happen AFP - 44 minutes ago Pakistan test-fires missiles: military AFP - 54 minutes ago Thailand censors more websites as protests persist AP - 56 minutes ago News Search Top Stories US probes mystery stock crash as panic spreads Americans resume job hunt as economy improves World leaders rush to contain Greek contagion Spain scrapes out of recession but dark clouds remain Swiss military socks unveil new high-tech socks More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Lack of sleep linked to early death: study Panic sends Dow to worst ever drop Humans interbred with Neanderthals: genome analysis US probes mystery stock crash as panic spreads Freddie Mac asks for fresh 10.6 billion dollar bailout More Most Viewed » Aliens may exist but contact would hurt: Hawking Lack of sleep linked to early death: study Apple engineer loses iPhone prototype Freddie Mac asks for fresh 10.6 billion dollar bailout French driving veil row escalates More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos World Cup 2010 Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Saturday, 8 May 2010
Armed men ambush Darfur peacekeepers, two killed
Germany pushes euro peers as crisis goes global
Data violations unpunished in EU: rights agency
Israel won't move on U.N. call for nuclear-free zone
EU promises to help keep Kosovo from falling behind
US-TECH Summary
Blasts, shooting kill 1, wound 7 in Bangkok |
US probes mystery stock crash as panic spreads
Train station bomb kills one in Russia: officials |
World leaders rush to contain Greek contagion
Nokia broadens legal row with Apple to include iPad
Spain scrapes out of recession but dark clouds remain
Germany green-lights unpopular Greek aid
Washington Post Co. reports first-quarter profit
U.S. envoy discussed detained Americans with Iran |
Swiss military socks unveil new high-tech socks
Dow Jones falls over 250 points after market crash
U.N. on target for Iran sanctions by mid-June: sources |
Nokia files new US patent lawsuit against Apple
British PM lets rivals mull power deal
Global chip sales to grow this year: industry group
Kremlin links Iran sanctions support with U.S. move |
IPad's international launch slated for May 28
Resigning German bishop accused of sexual abuse |
Apple's iPad on global sale from May 28
Huge dome nears source of gushing US oil leak
Borders takes orders for Kobo eReader due in June
White House says time is right for climate bill
US-TECH Summary
US envoy meets Palestinian leader in peace push
Nokia broadens legal row with Apple to include iPad
Nokia files new US patent lawsuit against Apple
Nokia board backs strategy, shareholders cry foul
Thai protesters haggle over reconciliation plan
Warner runs riot as Australia rout India
IPad's international launch slated for May 28 |
Dalai Lama tells AP: Exiles must press China talks
Shoe fans aTwitter in dash for Jimmy Choos |
Pressure on Pakistan amid fresh terror links
Maoists end general strike that had crippled Nepal
Frontrunner Aquino warns of Philippine election cheating
US vows more transparency over base in Kyrgyzstan
Attacks signal end of poppy harvest in Afghanistan
Frail NKorean leader makes scaled-down China visit
Japan PM faces more local refusal on US base
India's Essar Energy opens for all-investor trade at LSE
Korean firms look to invest $130 mln in Zambia
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Celebrity online green sale raises $1 million
Moroccan Islamist party calls for Elton John ban
Nintendo looks to restore magic with 3D console
Oliver Stone targets banks in "Wall Street" sequel
Look out Iron Man, here come the Babies |
Less drama, more money in TV dealmaking season |
Celebrity online green sale raises $1 million |
UK's Clegg considers gov't deal with Conservatives |
U.N. on target for Iran sanctions by mid-June
Bosnian Serb war criminal attacked in British jail
Americans resume job hunt as economy improves
Concert promoters embrace new media for fan services
Euro leaders to set up urgent crisis fund
Violence raises tensions as Thai protests drag on |
Euro leaders to 'reinforce' budget pact after Greek bailout
Pakistan tests two nuclear-capable missiles |
U.S. Markets End Volatile Week Lower
U.S. Consumer Credit Takes Unexpected Jump In March
U.S. official may visit Myanmar if he can see Suu Kyi |
Chimp Mauling Victim Discharged From Hospital
US-TECH Summary
Legislation Would Strip Americans Linked to Terrorists Of Citizenship
Out Of Boredom, Man Falsely Reports He's Raping Teenage Boy
Abandoned Lunch Cooler Sparks Bomb Scare In Times Square
Washington Post Co Swings Q1 Profit On Strong Kaplan Unit Results
Surprise dinner fails to break Iran nuclear deadlock
Man In Critical Condition After Trying To Kill Himself By Torching Home
Pakistan test-fires missiles: military
Thailand censors more websites as protests persist
Pakistan test-fires 2 ballistic missiles
Arguments Heard In Federal Law On Gay Marriages
Violence raises tensions as Thai protests drag on
U.S. Unemployment Ticks Up, But Payrolls Increase
Australia wrap up Davis Cup tie over Japan
Concert promoters embrace new media for fan services |
New Thai violence kills 2, mars compromise moves
Kim Jong-Il committed to disarmament talks: Pyongyang
Pakistan tests two nuclear-capable missiles
Pakistan says it test-fired 2 ballistic missiles
US transport chief to press Toyota on Japan trip
Top US diplomat to visit military-run Myanmar
U.S. approval allows first-run movies to TV sets
Bollywood looks to tap Spanish-speaking movie-goers
New Lindsay Lohan track leaks online
Nashville venues prepare to reopen after flood
Jack Bauer stares down an unhappy ending on 24 |
Miranda Cosgrove creates "Sparks" with Top 10 debut
Christina Aguilera named WFP hunger ambassador
New Lindsay Lohan track leaks online |
Merle Haggard scores highest solo bow in 25 years
Men in Black are back -- in 3D |
Jack Bauer stares down an unhappy ending on "24"
Miranda Cosgrove creates Sparks with Top 10 debut |
U.S. approval allows first-run movies to TV sets
U.S. approval allows first-run movies to TV sets |
"American Idol" Top 4 say they're all winners now
Nashville venues prepare to reopen after flood |
American Idol Top 4 say they're all winners now |
Christina Aguilera named WFP hunger ambassador |
Iran welcomes Turkish, Brazilian nuclear fuel ideas
Spanish king well after lung surgery on benign growth
Sarkozy cancels Russia visit due to eurozone crisis
PLO convenes, to agree peace talks with Israel
Pakistan investigates NY bomb plot Taliban link |
British kingmaker party in power-sharing talks
Europe races to flesh out new crisis fund
Palestinian approval opens door to Mideast talks |
Al Fayed sells Harrods to Qatari royals: statement
No malignancy found in Spanish king's lung: doctor
Flash floods kill 66 in Afghanistan
Huge dome probes ocean depths to cap US oil leak
Merkel party fears voter lashing over Greece aid
Pope accepts resignation of German bishop in sex probe |
Gloom in Greece despite EU loan relief
Iran welcomes Turkish, Brazilian nuclear fuel ideas |
Pope accepts resignation of German bishop
Ash cloud closes 19 Spanish airports, could spread |
Spain closes 15 airports due to volcanic ash
Lebanon President says won't ask Hezbollah to disarm |
U.S. official to meet Suu Kyi, Myanmar ministers: diplomat |
U.S. official to meet Suu Kyi, Myanmar ministers
Thai gov't warns of violence if protests don't end
Thai rivals commit to peace plan despite violence
Taliban threatens new attacks in Afghanistan
Candidates wind down Philippine election campaign
Pakistan investigates NY bomb plot Taliban link
Pakistan tests 2 missiles, wants nuke recognition
Nepal's streets lively after crippling strike ends
Myanmar likely to let US envoy meet Suu Kyi
Karzai says civilian deaths hurt Afghan operations
Australia unable to pin blame for Ady Gil crash
Stalin casts long shadow ahead of Russian parade
India tycoon Mukesh Ambani pledges to renegotiate gas deal
Out Of Boredom, Man Falsely Reports He's Raping Teenage Boy
Park Officials, Journalists See Largest Beaver Dam In Canada For First Time
Study: Neanderthals Interbred With Homosapiens
Crazy Bands Banned From School
MLB 2K10 Contest Ends With Alabama Man $1M Richer
British Columbia Solicitor General Resigns -- Again --
Picasso Painting Fetches Record Price For Art Of $106.5 Million
Russian Court Sentences Two Men For Killing, Cooking And Eating Schoolgirl
Grandmother Who Slapped Unruly Granddaughter Has Charges Dropped
Balloon Bomb Hoax Gets Preteen Girls Felony Charges
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01