SEAPA Protests the Thai Government’s Ban on the Sale of FEER

January 25, 2002
Office of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra
Government House
Nakorn Pathom Rd
Bangkok 10300
VIA FAX 02-6298213

Excellency,

The Southeast Asia Press Alliance (SEAPA) protests the recent order by the Thai government to ban the sale and distribution in Thailand of the January 10 issue of the Far Eastern Economic Review (FEER).

As an organization of press-freedom advocacy groups in Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, SEAPA is concerned that such a ban reflects badly on Thailand's reputation as a beacon of press freedom in Asia and on the admirable progress it has made in promoting democracy and free expression since 1992.

The ban on the Review was issued by Major General Threethos Ronlittiwichai, chief of Special Branch Police Division 2. The legal basis for the ban is a 1941 Publishing Act that allows authorities to censor statements or articles that may "lead to social and national disorder.

The issue in question carried a one-paragraph item in the section "Intelligence", referring to the stage of relationship between the Prime Minister's Office and the Royal Palace. Copies of the January 10 issue of the Hong Kong-based newsmagazine were pulled out of the shelves after having been on sale since January 3.

SEAPA understands and appreciates the fact that controversial reporting related to the highly-placed personality is a sensitive issue in Thailand. But the banning of a widely-read newsmagazine-or any other publication for that matter-is an extreme reaction contrary to Thailand's strong commitment to press freedom and could erode the gains so far achieved toward democratization.

Besides, citing the draconian 1941 Publishing Act to order the ban was a violation of Article 39 of the 1997 Constitution.

If responsible authorities viewed the FEER’s article has offended or defamed any highly-placed individual in Thailand, then they should take an appropriate legal action against the magazine.

While the ban specifically targeted the magazine’s January 10 issue and it appeared that the magazine’s preceding issue has resumed its sale in Thailand a week after, it is still vital for Thai authorities to refrain from taking further measures that hinder the freedom of the press in one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant democracies.

Respectfully Yours,

Chavarong Limpattamapanee
Acting Chairman