47 public complaints in 2009 blocked 55K websites-Bangkok Post
31-01-10
[FACT comments: Note that there were 47 people who complained about websites in 2009 with public oversight by 1.2 million Thais.. This resulted in govt blocking 55,000 sites!]
BUYER BEWARE
Volunteers keep a close guard on Thai culture
1.3m people from across the country help watch, read and browse the media for inappropriate content
Lamphai Intathep
- Bangkok Post: January 9, 2010
- http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/30722/volunteers-keep-a-close-guard-on-thai-culture
Every day 1.3 million volunteers from 4,825 networks across the country watch television, listen to the radio, browse the internet, watch movies in cinemas and on video discs, and read magazines and newspapers.
Standing in front of dozens of TV monitors, Ladda Tangsupachai, head of the Cultural Surveillance Department, vows to keep a close eye on Thai culture. APICHART JINAKUL
We all do at least some of these things ourselves, but the volunteers do not just do it simply for pleasure as we might.
The volunteers are monitoring the media for anything that might be inappropriate so they can bring it to the attention of the Cultural Surveillance Department.
The agency on the 18th floor of Thanalongkorn Tower in Bang Phlat district is charged with safeguarding our culture.
It informs the public of threats and warns agencies, and the producers of the offensive content, so that they can take action to limit the damage to Thai culture.
For example, the Information and Communications (ICT) Ministry would be alerted to any website found posting inappropriate messages.
However, with only nine officials, it is impossible for these self-described “culture police” to perform their task alone. In addition to the major media, whether print or electronic, they even have to monitor billboards, posters, calendars and the like. Thus the need for help from volunteer networks.
“The surveillance work also requires all to work because the networks live closer to the people,” department chief Ladda Tangsupachai said.
“Most of the complaints are lodged by parents.
“The internet, television and the print media are always top of the list for containing inappropriate information that affects our cultural identity.”
In this age of communication, people can readily get information through all manner of media, be it mobile phones, television, newspapers, books, songs, billboards and the internet.
This information can have a positive or a negative affect on the consumers, so it is necessary to have someone to observe the media so they do not harm the culture, Ms Ladda said.
“If we find smoke somewhere, then we will immediately inform the appropriate organisations to put it out,” Ms Ladda said.
The Cultural Surveillance Department opened its doors 14 years ago. Back then it was under the Education Ministry before it was transferred to the Culture Ministry in 2002.
The department’s main concern is children who are exposed every day to media, especially the internet.
One study claims children aged from 12 months to 12 years can be taught and readily absorb everything they see. It is important to maintain quality in the media, she said.
Ms Ladda recognises she has been criticised by some groups for simply finding fault, especially with teenagers.
“Some say I am outdated or live in the age of the dinosaurs. I do not prohibit people from wearing tank tops, hot pants or platform shoes. They can follow fashion trends, but it should be at the right place at the right time.”
The culture police commander-in-chief insists that protection against inappropriate content is necessary and the cause needs the help of everybody, not just her department’s staff and their volunteers.
“It needs all Thais to open their eyes and ears to everything that damages our cultural heritage,” she said.
Contact Buyer Beware: consumers@bangkokpost.co.th
