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[Sexpat]

"Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday discussed national security with top Cabinet members and the police chief, including what to do about websites seemingly created to undermine the monarchy.Abhisit has made it clear that one of the priorities of his government is to defend the monarchy, which is the pillar of Thailand's national security.

Recently, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Ministry ordered more than 4,000 websites shut down that were carrying messages or images holding the monarchy in contempt.
Attending the one-hour meeting with the prime minister were Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and national police chief Genral Patcharawat Wongsuwan.

Following the meeting, Suthep said the ICT Ministry, police and the Justice Ministry would play a more active role in going after those behind any website containing malicious content regarding the monarchy.
Websites with such malicious content have mushroomed since the September 19, 2006 military coup, but the authorities have been slow to act against them.

"The media have a right to freedom of expression, but they cannot slander or hold in contempt this institution that is much revered by all Thais," Suthep said. "Relevant agencies must enforce the law in earnest and seek cooperation in their investigation from the websites." Suthep said investigating agencies' progress would be monitored until the problem was resolved. He said the activities of the anti-government red shirts, who have been pestering key figures in the government, were not discussed during the meeting.

Asked about the role of community radio stations, some of which are also involved in slandering the monarchy, Suthep said the government would go after any medium, including foreign websites, that were doing so.

Suthep admitted the government might not be able to prosecute foreign websites, but said it could explain the situation to them. "Nowadays, foreigners have a better understanding that this is against Thai law," he said.

Asked about the number of active websites determined to be slandering the monarchy, Suthep said they now numbered less than 100. "We've shut them down but allowed some to reappear. All in all, we must get serious," he added."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/worldhotne...or-Abhisit-govt