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ABC documentary of Thai royal family sparks official protest from Thai embassy
Australian documentary on Thai royals sparks outrage
Fri, Apr 16, 2010
AFP
SYDNEY - Thailand has protested to the Australian government over the airing of a documentary critical of the Thai royal family and warned that the broadcast could affect ties between the nations.
A senior representative from the Thai embassy met with officials from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday to express his concern at the programme aired by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
"The concern is that it might affect the good relations between Thailand and Australia, especially the people to people relations," Saksee Phromyothi, minister-counsellor at the Royal Thai Embassy, told AFP.
"We consider this an issue matter of national security... because the royal family, the monarchy, in our constitution is above politics."
Thailand's ambassador designate Kriangsak Kittichaisaree has also written to ABC managing director Mark Scott to complain about the programme which could breach Thailand's lese-majeste laws which prohibit criticism of the royals.
"I regret that an organisation of the ABC's stature has lowered its own standard by airing the said documentary which is presented in a manner no different from tabloid journalism," he wrote.
The programme, which aired late Tuesday, was broadcast on the state-funded station only in Australia and cannot be viewed over the Internet outside the country.
But Thailand's diplomatic missions in Australia say they have received complaints about the programme on the monarchy - which Kittichaisaree said was 'the soul' of the nation and cherished by Thais from all walks of life.
"I presume that once you have decided to put this hyper-sensitive programme on air, a protest letter like mine, which I hope you will seriously heed, should come as no surprise," Kittichaisaree wrote to Scott.
"I strongly express both resentment and disappointment with the poor decision you have made."
The ABC could not immediately be reached for comment. But a report in the Australian newspaper said the ABC had effectively shut down its Bangkok office, sending its local staff home until further notice.
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Thailand's lese majesty laws is getting more strick as each military dictector govenment take over. There are so many scandals that one TV program from ABC can not possibly cover. Most of Thai people know what's going on, but they choose to kept quiet. There are more important issues around the world that we should be concern for. Thai people are proud of the Royal Family being the richest Monarchy in the world, Thailand is known for their food, beautiful beachs, land of smiles and beautiful ladies. And also the land of the free ("Thai" meaning "freedom" in the Thai language) as long as you know your place.
[Editor's note: This comment has been edited to ensure conformance with Thailand's lese majesty laws.]
Would the Thai people really
Would the Thai people really be so outraged to view such a program? Why not show it to them, and then the Thai people and not its government could voice their protest. Surely, a protest from the people would be far more powerful and believable.
So what was said? Can I watch
So what was said? Can I watch the program online? Link anyone?
No link
George: the documentary was broadcast as a regular television program in Australia, not on the Internet. We don't have a link to view it anywhere, and the risk of breaking Thailand's lese majesty laws would prevent us from doing so.
Grow up, Thailand
I agree wholeheartedly with the previous poster. Thailand (or rather the government of Thailand) may do whatever it likes to its people and those who chose to visit its country, but elsewhere it has no power whatsoever. Telling other countries what they can and cannot say about the royal family is, well... {self censored with respect to this website}
Grow up, Thailand. You're going to have to do so very soon, that's for sure.
Thailand and Thai people need
Thailand and Thai people need to understand that while Thai society holds the monarchy above comment, other countries are not obliged to follow suit. Freedom of speech means exactly that - there are no restrictions, restraints, or individuals outside or above the remit of freedom of expression.
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