Thailand clamps down on rude websites

You'd think they have bigger problems

By Chris Williams • Get more from this author

Posted in Law, 3rd September 2008 15:42 GMT

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Thai authorities have reportedly moved to shut down hundreds of websites they view as a threat to national security, amid ongoing civil unrest in Bangkok.

Court orders have been issued against 400 websites, 344 of which have been deemed insulting to the Thai royal family, The Bangkok Post reports. Two others displayed "religious content", five were judged obscene and one offered a "video sex game".

Thailand has previously blocked YouTube for hosting videos which criticise or mock the King.

The Information and Communications Technology Ministry said it had identified a total of 1,200 websites it wants taken offline. ISPs have been told to block access to the sites immediately.

Prime minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday declared a state of emergency as political protests descended into violence. Thousands of government opponents, who have been calling for him to resign over election fraud allegations, fought police on the streets of Bangkok. ®

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