Media blackout imposed for 'national security'

Thailand's army suspended broadcasts on several television channels on Tuesday in a sweeping move to censor the media after the declaration of martial law.

The channels were suspended "in order that people will get the correct information and not distort information to deepen the conflict", according to a written order broadcast simultaneously on all television channels.

The channels ordered to stop broadcasting included three pro-government "Red Shirt" channels as well as the anti-government protesters' main satellite channel Blue Sky TV - which has shown deadly protests 24 hours a day and has been key in galvanizing rallies.

The order was issued around an hour after General Prayut Chan-O-Cha declared the widespread censorship of the media in the interests of "national security".

The army "prohibits all media outlets from reporting or distribution of any news or still photographs detrimental to national security", said the statement by Prayut, which was broadcast on every channel.

AFP

(China Daily 05/21/2014 page12)