Veera Prateepchaikul (Thailand)
(Redirected from Thai editor loses job after criticizing prime minister)
Date: 2004
Region: Asia
Subject: Political/Economic/Social Opinion
Medium: Print Journalism
Artist: Veera Prateepchaikul
Confronting Bodies: The Bangkok Post administration and government officials
Date of Action: February 2004
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Description of Artwork: Veera Prateepchaikul wrote a bold headline in The Bangkok Post referring to a statement from Thai king, Bhumibol Adulyadej's, speech that warned of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's arrogance.
The Incident: Shortly after printing the controversial headline Veera was moved from his position as editor to another job in the corporation that manages the paper.
Results of Incident: Many journalists spoke out against the move. Although the paper claimed that the move was merely "a structural matter of organization," many journalists believe it is a government action to control the critical press. Journalists and editors have testified that they have recieved phone calls from critical government officials. Prateepchaikul is now a regular columnist for the Bangkok Post.
Source: The New York Times
