Thailand to block websites insulting royals
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
THE Thai government is considering spending up to US$14 million ($21.06 million) on technology to block websites it deems insulting to the country's monarchy, the communications minister said yesterday.
The army chief and prime minister have recently accused unnamed groups of defaming the royals, a grave crime in Thailand that carries a maximum jail sentence of 15 years, but which media groups say is often used as a political tool.
The royal family's role in politics has been a touchy subject in recent months as street protests by an anti-government group claiming loyalty to the monarchy drag on. The king has not commented on the recent turmoil.
"There is a growing number of websites that attack the monarchy, and the ministry is consulting to buy a blocker that costs between 100 and 500 million baht (2.8 and 14 million dollars)," said communications minister Mun Patanotai.
"More than 80 per cent of these websites are from overseas," he added.
Thailand made headlines around the world last year when it blocked video-sharing website You Tube after clips started appearing mocking the deeply-revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
AFP
The army chief and prime minister have recently accused unnamed groups of defaming the royals, a grave crime in Thailand that carries a maximum jail sentence of 15 years, but which media groups say is often used as a political tool.
The royal family's role in politics has been a touchy subject in recent months as street protests by an anti-government group claiming loyalty to the monarchy drag on. The king has not commented on the recent turmoil.
"There is a growing number of websites that attack the monarchy, and the ministry is consulting to buy a blocker that costs between 100 and 500 million baht (2.8 and 14 million dollars)," said communications minister Mun Patanotai.
"More than 80 per cent of these websites are from overseas," he added.
Thailand made headlines around the world last year when it blocked video-sharing website You Tube after clips started appearing mocking the deeply-revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
AFP
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