The free press is a cornerstone of democracy. People have a
need to know. Journalists have a right to tell. A free Press, at
its best, reveals the truth.     – The Newseum, Washington, DC

Asia

Thailand

   

{This graph represents scores that have been modified by CIMA so that higher scores indicate a better media situation. It is intended to show trends over time; each index measures significantly different factors of press freedom. To see an explanation for how this graph was created, click here.}
 

Freedom House Score: 62 (Not Free) [Freedom House Methodology]
{Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 100}  


 

Freedom on the Net Score: 61 (Not Free) [Freedom House Methodology]
{Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 100}  

Although Thai citizens have been posting online commentary for well over a decade,1 internet users have played a particularly significant role in challenging the established political power structure since the military coup of September 19, 2006. Topics of discussion restricted or censored in traditional print and broadcast media are openly addressed via the internet, in particular issues related to the monarchy. Moreover, both the red-shirted United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) and the yellow-shirted supporters of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have utilized digital media and online resources to mobilize constituents for popular protests.

Read more on Freedom House's site...
 

RSF Score: 56.83 [RSF Methodology]
{Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to ~120}  


 Read more on RSF's site...

Committee to Protect Journalists Description: [What is the Committee to Protect Journalists?]

Armed clashes between anti-government protesters and state security forces resulted in 91 deaths and more than 1,800 injuries, a toll that deepened Thailand's debilitating five-year-old political crisis. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva invoked an emergency decree to contain the protests and employed its discretionary powers to sharply curb press freedom, which included far-ranging Internet censorship.

Two foreign journalists--Reuters cameraman Hiro Muramoto and Italian freelance photographer Fabio Polenghi--were among the fatalities, while at least nine other reporters were injured in crossfire between troops and protesters.

Read more on CPJ’s site...

IFEX News: [What is IFEX?]

Visit IFEX’s Site for Recent News on Media in this Country