As Thailand’s COVID cases soar government takes critics to court

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is accused of overreach as public disaffection grows over his handling of the pandemic.

Bangkok, Thailand – Authorities in Thailand are facing allegations of using lawsuits and new emergency decrees to fend off a rising tide of public anger about their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as the country’s infection rate and death toll continue to hit record highs. Officials insist the moves are aimed strictly at those spreading false and misleading information, but their latest decree could let authorities block online reports that may “instigate fear” even if true, lawyers and rights groups said. “The government is feeling vulnerable at the moment because of the amount of anger and criticism that they’re receiving because of their pandemic response,” said Matthew Bugher, the Bangkok-based Asia program lead for Article 19, a rights group that advocates for the freedom of expression.