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Thai leader threatens to execute unruly journalists
[AA.TR] Thailand's junta-leader-cum-prime minister threatened Wednesday to do away with journalists who "cause division" and fail to toe the official line."We will probably just execute them," stated General Prayut Chan-ocha when asked how journalists considered too critical should be treated. Chan-ocha's comments - at a military airport prior to a departure to Brunei - were the latest in a series seen to challenge the work of news hounds in the Kingdom. "The media divide society," he said in a report published by Khaosod online. "From now on, I will keep my eyes on all media agencies and, if necessary, I will have the National Peace and Order Council [the junta's official name] investigate them." He then added - without a trace of a smile - the possibility of executions. The general has routinely shown disdain towards the press. Earlier this month, he said he wanted "to punch the face" of a journalist who asked him about junta progress since the May 22 coup, and last year he threw a half-eaten banana at a news hound during a press event. Outside of his roles as junta-leader and premier, Chan-ocha also hosts his own hour-long TV program. Broadcast every Friday evening, "Bring back happiness to Thai people" showcases the military general discussing a variety of topics in a fatherly tone - from the price of vegetables to international relations. Posted by: Fred 2015-03-26 |
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