APRIL 4, 2007
Posted April 24, 2007
YouTube
CENSORED
Thailand’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technology ordered the Communications Authority of Thailand, which controls Thailand’s Internet gateway, to block access to the video-sharing Web site YouTube because of content it deemed offensive to the Thai monarchy. The entire site was blocked rather than the individual Web pages that contained controversial postings; those pages featured doctored images of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, including footage featuring human feet hovering over the monarch’s head, a cultural taboo in Thailand.
Information and Communications Technology Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom told the local press that the Thai government was in negotiations with YouTube owner Google to restore general access to the popular Web site while maintaining blocks on content it considered harmful to the monarchy.