THAILAND: PM rebukes media over 'secret prison' coverage

Responding to media allegations that the US set up a secret prison in Thailand, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra warns media to be wary of covering sensitive issues

Bangkok Post
Sunday, November 6, 2005

By Yuwadee Tunyasiri

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday rebuked Thai media outlets for their coverage of allegations that the US set up a secret prison in Thailand, and urged them to be more cautious when handling sensitive issues. "You don't have to think about the government, but the country. When handling something that's sensitive and could be damaging to the country's reputation, please be mindful," he said.

Mr Thaksin was referring to reports that Thailand was one of the secret sites used by the US Central Intelligence Agency to detain and interrogate important al-Qaeda operatives.

A report by the Washington Post was splashed on local dailies. Bangkok vehemently denied the prison existed.

Mr Thaksin said the issue was a waste of time for the government, which would have to correct such misunderstandings in an international forum before moving on to other issues.

PM's Office Minister Suranand Vejjajiva yesterday urged the media to verify reports that were deemed damaging to the country's image.

He said news stories run by foreign media were not always accurate and it was possible that some were published with a hidden agenda.

Mr Suranand said the Foreign Affairs Ministry would find out the facts about the news report.

"If it's just a misunderstanding, we don't have to sue," he said.

Date Posted: 11/6/2005