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As pro-democracy protests continue in Thailand, the government has tried to restrict news coverage and block Telegram, the messaging service widely used by protesters.
Thousands of protesters gathered in northern Bangkok on Monday, as they have in different parts of the capital over the past week. Pro-democracy demonstrations were also held in other cities on Monday.
The protests have continued even after Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha declared an emergency order last week. The state of emergency prohibited the gatherings of more than four people.
The protesters demand the resignation of Prayuth. The former army general has led the country under a military regime since his group took power in 2014. Protesters are also pushing for changes to the country’s constitution and reforms. monarchy.
A senior official with Thailand’s National Telecommunications and Broadcasting Commission confirmed reports that the agency had been ordered to block the availability of Telegram. The official told The Associated Press that the commission was in contact with Internet service providers to carry out the order. Protesters around the world use Telegram to help organize protests.
Police spokesman Kissana Phataracharoen also confirmed that an order signed by the police chief could allow officials to block news websites that publish what he called “distorted information.”
Under current laws, the government’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society have the power to prohibit broadcasts and block the Internet. content. The police themselves can also do it under the existing emergency order.
A spokesperson for the digital The ministry said it had requested court orders to remove content from four media companies and the Facebook page of the Free Youth protest group. The ministry had identified more than 300,000 pieces of content that it said had violated Thai law in the past week, the spokesperson said.
The Manushya Foundation is an independent group that campaigns for freedom online. He described the government’s measures as an attempt to silence free media. “Since the ban on protests did not work, the military-backed government hopes to create fear of telling the truth,” said its director Emilie Palamy Pradichit. “We urge the free media to resist.”
A 19-year-old protester named Jin applauded “keep fighting” during Monday’s rally. He told the Reuters news agency that any government action against the media “takes away people’s rights to information.”
Student protesters have publicly criticized the monarchy for the first time and called for its reform. Such action is unheard of in Thailand, where the real The family is protected by laws that prevent criticism of any of its members.
Thai conservatives accuse the protest movement of trying to end the monarchy, an accusation that its leaders deny. The Royal Palace has not commented on the protest movement or its demands.
Prayuth has said that he will not give up. On Monday, he expressed support for the proposal to convene a special session of parliament to discuss the situation. His supporters have a majority in parliament.
“We are just asking the people not to do wrong and destroy the government and people’s property,” Prayuth said. “What the government must do is protect the monarchy. This is the duty of all Thais, “he added.
I am Bryan Lynn.
The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.
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Words in this story
monarchy – n. a system of government in which a country is ruled by a king and queen whose power is limited by a constitution
distort – v. to change the information so that it is not true or realistic
content – n. information contained in a writing, a speech, a film or on the Internet
digital – adj. related to computer technology, especially the Internet
real – adj. belong to or be connected to a king or queen or a member of their family
