THAILAND: Govt readies for lawsuit against YouTube

The Information and Communications Technology Ministry wants a court order to remove a clip offensive to the monarchy

Bangkok Post
Sunday, May 6, 2007

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Ministry has set up a committee to proceed with a lawsuit against YouTube.com for running a video clip offending the monarchy. ICT Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom said a court order is needed to force the video-sharing website to censor inappropriate content.

The ministry has blocked the site since April 4 and tried in vain to ask YouTube owners Google to remove the clip.

Mr Sitthichai said the ministry is also reviewing content of an online shop which claims to sell unique products.

At the centre of attention is a pet dog's T-shirt with a print of the statue of Lord Buddha on it. The minister said the website will be blocked if the content is found to be inappropriate.

The ministry is also in the process of establishing a "cyber inspector unit" to monitor online crime, he said, adding that the planned unit was in line with a bill against internet crime being vetted by the National Legislative Assembly.

Date Posted: 5/6/2007