THAI police have ordered a probe into four media outlets over their coverage of the pro-democracy protests in Bangkok last week.

Deputy police spokesman, Kissana Phathanacharoen said police have asked the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) as well as the Digital Economy and Society Ministry to take down the content by the outlets and a protest group Facebook’s page, which violated the emergency decree. 

The four media outlets are Voice TV, Prachathai.com, The Reporter, The Standard, and a protest group called Free Youth.

“We received information from the intelligence units concerned that parts of the content and distorted information have been used and disseminated, causing confusion and unrest to society.

“NBTC and the ministry will examine and enforce the laws and comply with press freedom,” he said at a press conference today.

Meanwhile, minister Puttipong Punnakanta said the ministry had requested for court orders to take down more than 300,000 pieces of content put up by the five entities from October 14 to 18, which are in violation of the country’s decree.

“The content has violated the emergency decree in Bangkok. The ministry will gradually report the case to the police starting today,” he said.

Last Thursday, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan o-cha issued a decree to ban gatherings of five or more people, effective from 4am in a bid to end three months of student-led street protests.

It also prohibits the publication of news and other online messages that could affect national security and create fear or disseminate false information.

Meanwhile, National Police chief, Jaruwat Waisaya said there was no order to shut any media outlet.

He said the committee on media information management was set up to examine all information and the content of various media platforms.

“The committee has the power to monitor and investigate the content providers. If (the content is) found to affect national security, legal action will be taken,” he added. – Bernama, October 19, 2020.