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Must read but must not write?

March 12th, 2007 by Andrew Walker · 2 Comments

The Nation’s website is carrying a “must read” story on the guilty plea by the unfortunate Oliver Jufer in Chiang Mai’s lese majeste case.

Oliver Jufer, 57, was arrested on December 5 for defacing several of the king’s ubiquitous portraits with spray paint during a drunken spree through the northern city of Chiang Mai, some 700 kilometres (400 miles) north of Bangkok. He was charged with lese majeste and destruction of public property. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison, according to court officials.  “He pleaded guilty, and the court set a date for the verdict on March 29,” one court official said.

Curiously, the story is by Agence France Presse. Is The Nation unable or unwilling to cover this “must read” story itself?

Tags: Thailand

2 responses so far ↓

  • 1 polo // Mar 13, 2007 at 12:54 am

    From my memory of the 80s and in the 90s, the local press always reported such stories from foreign agencies, when they dared at all. A strange way of avoiding blame for something or other.

  • 2 Bystander // Mar 13, 2007 at 11:55 am

    It seems you already know the answer when you ask the question. That they print it at all is enough courage already.

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