Websites blocked for insulting Thailand’s monarchy

In 2007, lot of buzz was created when Thailand blocked the popular video-sharing website YouTube after clips started appearing mocking the 81-year-old King Bhumibol. Now, Thai authorities have blocked 2,300 websites for allegedly insulting the country’s revered monarchy. Another 400 sites are supposed to be restricted after the court approval.

Defaming the royals in Thailand carries a  maximum jail sentence of 15 years and in recent months, King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been criticised by rights groups and media organizations.

“The blocking of websites that disseminate content and pictures which insult the monarchy is one of the government’s crucial policies,” Information and Communication (ICT) minister Ranongruk Suwanchawee said in a statement.

“We have blocked more than 2,300 websites. We are preparing to ask for court approval to shut down an additional 400 sites and will amend the… law to increase powers of ICT officials as soon as parliament reopens,” she said.

The ministry had spent 45 million baht (1.28 million dollars) to buy equipment for a round-the-clock “war room” targeting inappropriate web sites, Ranongruk said.

The ministry would ask the ministries of justice, interior and defence to “decisively” prosecute violators, who face imprisonment and a fine for breaking the law, the minister said.