Bangkok, Thailand (Siam Sentinel) – Thailand’s military-appointed National Legislative Assembly passed a controversial Cyber Crimes Bill banning internet-based material that was considered harmful to national security and morals. Gen. Surayud Chulanont, the lackluster Thai prime minister, praised the bill saying that it would cut out foreign material that was deemed morally inappropriate for Thai society. “On the other hand,” he said, “this should encourage Thais to go to more massage parlors and strip shows. The Thai people are resourceful. They will know where to go.”

The bill has faced criticism from a weak but growing number of social advocates concerned with the curbing of freedom of expression in the Kingdom of Thailand since last September’s military coup d’etat. The CCB would block access to websites that criticized the Thai military, mocked the Thai king, suggested alternative ways to approach the bloody situation in the Thai South, promoted tourism in Laos, and presented images of scantily clad women. “Why would Thais need to look at farang (foreigners) in various states of undress when they can just go to Patpong and see Thais in various states of undress,” said Information and Communications Technology Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom.

Mr. Sittichai, the man who spearheaded the proposed lawsuit against Google Inc. over amateur video clips that mocked Thailand’s revered King Bhumibol, is again at the forefront of this oppressive bill. “Thailand is a land of plenty. Why would we need to import pornography? We have plenty of it in this country and the quality is so much better,” Mr. Sittichai reasoned at a press conference on Friday. “You want child pornography? No problem. Thailand has that. You want little girls and little boys? No problem. Thailand has plenty of underage and exploited children. The government is just looking after the interests of the country. Why import something when we have plenty to export? Do you want slaves to work in your home for little or no wages? That can be arranged to. The international world of pornography is really cutting into the profits of Thais who exploit children.”

Gen. Surayud played down Mr. Sittichai’s economic rationale and instead highlighted the concerns about morality. “You know,” he commented, “Thai society was once beautiful and wonderful. There was no fornication and infidelity until the farang came and brought their debased ideas to our country. Limiting access to the West will help Thais regain the morally upright society they have had for centuries. We should all strive to be more like the royal family and take their fidelity as an example.”

Hoping to profit from the new law, Thai prostitutes across the country agreed to lower their fees to promote a more domestic exchange of funds and bodily fluids.

Source: http://siamsentinel.blogspot.com