ABOVE: A cartoon from Sakda Sae-lew published in Thairath on Feb. 18. Prayuth Chan-ocha says, “You don’t understand. We’re returning happiness to the Thai people,” while other countries hold signs demanding the military returns democracy. Photo: Sia Thairath
Sakda Sae-lew (aka Sia), a political cartoonist working for local language Thairath newspaper, was warned by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) that if he continues to publish works that are not factual, he’ll be sued.
He was ordered to report to the NCPO on Saturday to explain his cartoons. The conversation was smooth and calm and NCPO officers allowed him to describe his work and they did not forbid him from expressing his opinions, said Sakda.
Furthermore, he was not asked to sign any agreement but he was warned that he could be sued if he continues to produce work that distorts the facts in the future.
“[From now on,] I will have to adjust my working style,” he said, “because my organization may be affected [if I don’t]. If I alone will be affected, then it’s okay.”
The warning, however, will not hinder Sakda from publishing his cartoons based on facts, and he said his works are a sign of goodwill towards Thailand.
However, Thai Journalist Association (TJA) president Wanchai Wongmeechai is concerned about people’s rights and freedom of expression due to the number of journalists the NCPO has asked to report in.
Therefore, the TJA and other media organisations will discuss how to form a better atmosphere for freedom of expression and they will hand the results of the discussions to Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha, The Nation reported.
“The premier assured the international community during his speech at the UN General Assembly last week that we’ll be back to democracy soon, so I expect him to be more open. If one has to be sued, it has to be done by law. If it’s simply an alternative set of thoughts then it shouldn’t be wrong”, Wanchai said.
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