Thai T.V., Phra Bodhirak, Government Ban on News Coverage
- Artist/Author/Producer: Thai Television Stations
- Confronting Bodies: Thai Government
- Dates of action: June, 1989
- Location: Thailand
- Description of the Art Work
-
Television stations prohibited by Thai government to cover the arrest of
Phra Bodhirak, leader of Santi Asoke religious centre. Bodhirak was
penalised by the Buddhist hierarchy for his "unorthodox religious
teachings and other activities."
- Description of incident
- Although the election of Prime Minister Chatichai, in March 1988, was
expected to be the "new era of democracy," the media soon found it was
under more pressure from the government than in the previous
administration. The Thai government operates all five of the countries
television stations, and therefore was able to strictly control the
coverage of Phra Bodhirak's trial.
" ...The television channels were told by the authorities not to
cover the arrest of Bodhirak, and the Interior Ministry issued a warning
to the media to refrain from casting the Santi Asoke centre in favorable
light. Bodhirak (was) due to go on trial in early September (1989)... "
- Results of incident
- As of September 1989 the media was anticipating more restrictions.
Source: Rodney Tasker, "Turning the Screws," Far Eastern Economic Review,
September 14, 1989, Pg. 35