MEDIA CENSORSHIP AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION: NAVIGATING POLITICAL DISCOURSE IN THAILAND

บทคัดย่อ

This paper examines the complex relationship between media censorship and freedom of expression in Thailand, focusing on its historical, legal, and political contexts. Media censorship in Thailand is primarily driven by laws such as lèse-majesté and the Computer Crimes Act, which have been used to suppress dissent and control public discourse. The government's influence over both traditional and digital media has led to widespread self-censorship, limiting the scope of political expression. Despite these restrictions, alternative media outlets and social media platforms have emerged as vital spaces for political activism and public debate. The paper explores the role of these digital platforms in circumventing censorship, the legal risks associated with expressing dissent, and the broader implications for Thailand's political development. Recommendations for policy reforms, including revisions to censorship laws and protections for digital freedom, are also provided to promote a more open and democratic media landscape.