In the latest bit of Internet free speech restriction, the Kingdom of Thailand has banned YouTube from the entire country. Yesterday Thai telecom blocked the video-sharing site because of a 44 second clip in which revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej was shown in photos that had been defaced.
In one shot, a pink Afro and red clown nose are painted on his face, while in another a pair of feet dangle above the monarch’s head — a taboo in a country where tradition holds that the King’s image must be positioned higher than those of others.
The 79-year-old king is the longest serving monarch in the world, having been on the throne for six decades. He is genuinely adored by the Thai people and some even consider him to be a living Buddha.
While I can understand the sensitivity of the situation, I’m disappointed in Thailand for acting in such a manner as to deny their citizens freedom to information on the Internet. Certainly Thai authorities could have requested the removal of such material from YouTube, as countless other countries have done in similar situations.
It’s not clear at this time if/when YouTube will be allowed once again in Thailand.