Criminal law to be used against improper websites

[Norseman]

More big brother stuff, whether you like it or not.
Why not ban Internet and computers as well?

BANGKOK, Jan 30 (TNA) -

Thailand's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Ministry plans to use criminal law as a tool to fight against improper websites--particularly pornographic webpages, ICT Minister Sora-at Klinpratoom said on Monday.

Mr. Sora-at said that his Ministry would cooperate with Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office Newin Chidchob to crack down on electronic media containing pornography and other unlawful activities.
Mr. Newin was assigned by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinwatra to oversee the vice websites particularly indecent webpages.

The ministry earlier asked internet service providers (ISPs) to cooperate with the campaign and help block unsuitable websites, Mr. Sora-at said, but the problem continues.

Without voluntary cooperation, the minister said, the authorities will resort to applying criminal law to contain 'anti-social' activities on the internet, he said. At the same time he appeared to offer ways for ISPs to adjust their practices, as he said that the law would be gently implemented.

Mr. Sora-at said he would ask for more cooperation from the involved agencies, and that there would be no seizure of equipment for fear it might interrrupt service to the public, he said.

The state-run telecommunications firm, CAT Telecom Plc, and Kasetsart University have jointly installed software capable of screening 80-90 per cent of improper websites, he said.

But it is an uphill battle, he suggested, saying that many internet users wanted to visit sex-oriented sites and other sites that offer activities not considered to be in the public interest.

The Ministry will soon distribute screening software to schools and households in order to block improper websites in such places, he said.
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I intend to live forever -- so far, so good.

[prcscct]

Uuuggghhh! No smoking in pubs by 2008, internet censorship, beer/booze sales restricted to certain hours...a whole host of "distractions" to take focus away from fearless leader concerning his "exploits" in his personal realm of "let's make fast mega-money". Some may have noticed, as the USA elections go for many years, so do the Thai elections. The Dem's in the States I don't think will lose in 2008..that will be the end to most of the nonsense that has been instituted here over the past years. Mai pen rai..be patient..the Kingdom will return to normal. Pete

[buksida]

Hmmm, three questions immediately spring to mind:

How do they decide what is "anti-social"?

I'm guessing that criticizing the government will also fall into this bracket? Keep the people stupid and they'll keep voting TRT.

How do they press criminal charges against a Thai porn site that has been setup and hosted in Russia or the Philippines?

[dr dave soul monsta]

And more than likley to be owned by one of their close collegues in government who also owns several brothels in central Bkk

are they going to have a Thai version of Mary Whitehouse who gets to look at all this porn etc first have a good frap the decide its not suitable

information is for all whether x rated or not the only people who look at these X rated sites are the peole who are looking for them ,They have minds of their own and choose wheter to open a site otr not if you do open and are offended you close the browser .....
obviously Mr Sondhi need to go to the streets agian to fight for the right of free information for his countrymen how soon the Big boys in the ivory towers forget
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"I don't often agree with the RSPCA as i believe it is an animals duty to be on my plate at supper time"

[Norseman]

Even more big brother stuff. Soon we'll all have a CCTV installed in our home.


BANGKOK, Jan 31 (TNA) -

Thailand's Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) vowed to take strict measures against operators of online games shops and pornographic websites.

In response to complaints that many computer game shops nationwide violate the law by allowing teenagers under 18 years old to play games later than 10pm.

According to ICT Minister Sora-at Klinpratoom, some shops quietly allow their premises to be used as hideaways for using alcohol, drugs or indulging in sexual activities after normal business hours -- behind closed doors on upper floors or in spaces behind the public business area.

Mr. Sora-at said Tuesday that shop operators found guilty will face severe penalties.

He said that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra assigned Minister Attached to Prime Minister Office Newin Chidchob to direct a crackdown on those shops and the ICT ministry to look into the sites accessed by young people, especially pornographic websites.

The public can dial the hotline 1111 to inform of illegal operations by computer shops.

In addition to tight controls on pornographic websites, the ICT ministry plans to curb the posting of porno materials via postal services, he said. Those who require mailings using postal boxes must be real persons and not merely using postal drops as a blind to hide their true names and addresses.

Closed-circuit TV will be installed at post box sites to record images of possible senders and receivers of porno materials. Recorded images can be used as evidence against those involved in this illegal business.
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I intend to live forever -- so far, so good.