SEAPA Statement on Government Blacklist

February 23, 2002

55 Mansion 8
Ratchadamnoen Klang Ave.
Bangkok 10200
Tel: 02-6290025, Fax: 02-6290025
E-mail: seapa@seapabkk.org

Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) strongly denounces the reported use of an official "blacklist" to curb the work of foreign journalists working in Thailand for the Far Eastern Economic Review. This tactic is reminiscent of a witch hunt and is an unwarranted attack on free expression.

SEAPA urges the government to immediately withdraw the names of the two journalists and two editorial staff working for Far Eastern Economic Review from the reported blacklist.

The proposed blacklist, which could lead to the deportation of those named, will have a far-reaching negative impact on Thailand's international image as a democratic and media-free country. Any expulsion of foreign journalists, who have for years operated in Thailand with the highest professionalism, will be a huge blow to the country's burgeoning democracy and openness.

SEAPA is also deeply concern that the current government, in drawing up the list, has put accredited journalists under the same category as "undesirable elements" identified by the authorities as a threat to national security due to their political activities. Far from threatening national security, the presence of a free and vibrant press – including foreign correspondents - is one of Thailand's greatest strengths.

The real threat here is not from the reporters named to the blacklist but from those who would seek to undermine Thailand's reputation as a land of press freedom and democracy by using the harsh mechanisms of threat and reprisal against working journalists.

Sincerely Yours,

Chavarong Iimpattamapanee
Acting Chairman