BANGKOK: Prayuth Chan-ocha, the junta leader who removed Thailand's elected government at gunpoint, has lashed out at journalists, sarcastically saying he would ''execute'' them if they didn't tell the truth.
Mr Prayuth, who himself often appears angry and frustrated despite vowing to return "happiness" to Thais, has also repeatedly warned journalists who ask him questions he has the power to shut down media outlets.
The former army commander, who was appointed prime minister by a military-stacked parliament, recently threw a banana at a cameraman and said he wanted to punch a reporter ''in the face'' when he was pressed on his government's results.
His off-the-cuff remarks often sparked a mixture of surprise and derision in the country where, since the junta seized power last year, political gatherings have been banned, freedom of expression restricted and the press censored.
There have been a growing number of prosecutions under strict lese majeste laws that protect the monarchy from insult.
More than 1000 people, including academics, political bloggers, activists and politicians have also been detained or sent for so-called "political adjustment" at military installations.
They have been asked to sign documents that allow the junta to seize their assets if they become involved in any "political movement".
Mr Prayuth's latest clash with journalists followed media reports of a conflict between two junta ministers and on allegations of human trafficking in Thailand.
The US government and major US business leaders are renewing calls for the junta to crack down on slavery in Thailand's fishing fleets and to punish people who forced migrant workers to catch fish that end up being sold in the US and other countries.
The calls follow a 12-month Associated Press investigation published this week that tracked slave-caught seafood to Thai exporters and revealed hundreds of fishermen, many of them from Burma (Myanmar), were trapped on the remote Indonesian island of Benjina.
Mr Prayuth turned on a Thai television reporter who also investigated the slave fishermen abuse claims, warning her reports threaten Thailand's fishing industry.
"You need to consider the damage it does to the nation," he said.
Asked by a reporter how he would shut down the media, Mr Prayuth replied: "Execution, perhaps? Don't ask silly questions. The media only needs to be careful, and stick to ethics."
In January the junta forced a German foundation to cancel a forum on press freedom, saying Thailand was at a sensitive juncture.
The junta has promised to allow a return to democracy after the drafting of a new constitution but has not said when it will relinquish power.
Mr Prayuth has said he suffers "insomnia" because Thais are demanding democracy and has chided the US for calling for a quick return of power to the people.
Declaration of Interest
Phuketwan journalists Chutima Sidasathian and Alan Morison are being sued by the Royal Thai Navy for criminal defamation and a Computer Crimes Act count over a 41-word paragraph republished from a Reuters series on Burma's Rohingya boatpeople. The series later won a Pulitzer Prize.
The Royal Thai Navy's precedent-setting military-versus-media action predates last May's Army takeover in Thailand. The trial resumes in July. It is believed the maximum penalty is seven years' jail, not execution.
Mr Prayuth, who himself often appears angry and frustrated despite vowing to return "happiness" to Thais, has also repeatedly warned journalists who ask him questions he has the power to shut down media outlets.
The former army commander, who was appointed prime minister by a military-stacked parliament, recently threw a banana at a cameraman and said he wanted to punch a reporter ''in the face'' when he was pressed on his government's results.
His off-the-cuff remarks often sparked a mixture of surprise and derision in the country where, since the junta seized power last year, political gatherings have been banned, freedom of expression restricted and the press censored.
There have been a growing number of prosecutions under strict lese majeste laws that protect the monarchy from insult.
More than 1000 people, including academics, political bloggers, activists and politicians have also been detained or sent for so-called "political adjustment" at military installations.
They have been asked to sign documents that allow the junta to seize their assets if they become involved in any "political movement".
Mr Prayuth's latest clash with journalists followed media reports of a conflict between two junta ministers and on allegations of human trafficking in Thailand.
The US government and major US business leaders are renewing calls for the junta to crack down on slavery in Thailand's fishing fleets and to punish people who forced migrant workers to catch fish that end up being sold in the US and other countries.
The calls follow a 12-month Associated Press investigation published this week that tracked slave-caught seafood to Thai exporters and revealed hundreds of fishermen, many of them from Burma (Myanmar), were trapped on the remote Indonesian island of Benjina.
Mr Prayuth turned on a Thai television reporter who also investigated the slave fishermen abuse claims, warning her reports threaten Thailand's fishing industry.
"You need to consider the damage it does to the nation," he said.
Asked by a reporter how he would shut down the media, Mr Prayuth replied: "Execution, perhaps? Don't ask silly questions. The media only needs to be careful, and stick to ethics."
In January the junta forced a German foundation to cancel a forum on press freedom, saying Thailand was at a sensitive juncture.
The junta has promised to allow a return to democracy after the drafting of a new constitution but has not said when it will relinquish power.
Mr Prayuth has said he suffers "insomnia" because Thais are demanding democracy and has chided the US for calling for a quick return of power to the people.
Declaration of Interest
Phuketwan journalists Chutima Sidasathian and Alan Morison are being sued by the Royal Thai Navy for criminal defamation and a Computer Crimes Act count over a 41-word paragraph republished from a Reuters series on Burma's Rohingya boatpeople. The series later won a Pulitzer Prize.
The Royal Thai Navy's precedent-setting military-versus-media action predates last May's Army takeover in Thailand. The trial resumes in July. It is believed the maximum penalty is seven years' jail, not execution.
You were all for the military coup when it occurred.
Changed your mind now have you Ed?
Posted by Sir Burr on March 26, 2015 11:34
Editor Comment:
We believe military intervention was necessary at the time to prevent blood on the streets, Sir Burr. Coups in Thailand are part of the process. What Thailand and Phuket doesn't need are braying jackasses with nothing of value to say.