For those who didn't know, Youtube was banned from Thailand earlier this year (I believe Youtube is now banned in some other countries as well). The reason for this was because one of the user on Youtube thought it was funny to produce a clip that made fun of the King of Thailand. I just saw another similar video clip on Youtube and it's really making me upset. Some people think it's absolutely fine because we have "Freedom" to do whatever we want. Those Youtube users who put up offensive videos are the ones that abused freedom in the wrong way that made me not wanting to support freedom of speech anymore.
I understand freedom of expression. But they did not have to disrespect the King of Thailand by making funny faces on him or putting woman's feet on top of his head. He is a King, not a President like Bush. Have some respect. It is not freedom of speech but an insult to Thai citizens like me. We were raised to love the King and we honestly love him like a father. I bet it would have caused the same emotions to people of United Kingdom if someone made a video that disses Princess Diana.
Youtube already took out some detestable videos regarding the King of Thailand. But there are still some left that haven't been erased yet. You probably wouldn't understand if you weren't born in Thailand. I think it is a good thing that the Thai government decided to ban Youtube and similar websites that contain such loathsome materials. If they didn't, Thai people would have been more angry...and things would have turn way ugly. You see in Thai people's eyes, the King is placed above all people. He is viewed as someone close to God due to all the great things he did for the country.
Freedom of speech is not something that one should use to insult other people, cultures, or races. Thailand supports free speech too. That's why you hear about the riots in Thailand because of the scandals Prime Minister of Thailand was involved with. However, we do not tolerate anyone who disses the King of Thailand. I mean, if you disrespect him in Thailand and in front of Thai people...they will kill you. The police won't be able to arrest you because Thai people will literally jump in and destroy you before that. And they'll go to jail for the King. That's how much they love their King.
You can read more about the controversy here:
http://openforum.wordpress.com/2007/04/05/dear-youtube-please-take-down-...
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How can a website be banned from a country. Maybe this is an ignorant question, but I honestly didn't know that could be done.
I didn't know it was possible either. But according to my friends, Youtube is like...dead in Thailand. You cannot gain access to it whatsoever.
That is really weird. I wonder if there are any websites that are banned in the US that we don't even know about that other nations can access then.
I wouldn't put it past the U.S. Every government is into censorhip of materials they deem threatening to their existence. Don't get me wrong... I love my country, but we are so shelter from much truth. Many people are only told half truths by their governments and media. Just to portray a sense of trust between the citzens, the government, and the media.
---Mike Schilling---
I don't believe someone should have his behind kissed just because he is royalty and has "divine right". Nobody on earth is owed respect unless they earn it. If you can cite examples on what he had done to earn respect. I will show respect. However... I will not retract this post, because I believe everyone is equal when it comes to being the butt of jokes. So what if people made a joke at his expense? Big deal... it happens to billions of people daily. He is no more special than any other person on earth.
---Mike Schilling---
You probably never had a great leader or someone that saved your country before. So, I understand where you coming from. Like I stated, those who were not born and raised in Thailand will never know the true meaning of loving one's leader. If you're really interested to know what he has done, you can google "His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej" and read. Even if you do, I'd still don't think you'd get it. You can think of us as blind followers for the King or whatever you want. Now, I appreciate and comprehend the sensitivity that most religious groups feel when someone who knows nothing about their religions start dissing it like it's a piece of crap.
Just so you know, the guy who put up the video got arrested (which I think it wasn't necessary). But the King let him go and the Swiss President even thank him for freeing the guy. The King never asked the policemen to arrest the man. Thai people were the ones who initiated the arrest. Of course "King" is outdated for you, you live in a country with no King...
But thanks for your comment.
I never thought of Thai people as blind followers. I did look up the king and might I say I am impressed. However, I was not trying to say he was a bad person or make him sound like a joke. My only point is that a simple joke shouldn't be taken so hard. Its good for the human species to argue and poke fun. I don't agree with insults, but the nation looked like it blew it way out of proportion. I must say if the government did let it go they may have appeared a bit stronger (not saying Thailand has a weak gov't), if they allowed the guy to be an asshole. It would show that they do not fear the slightest challenge. This is just my view and I would like to hear more of yours.
---Mike Schilling---
I think if you compare some characteristics of people from another part of the world, you'll see that they have some values you cannot find in United States. Because our government is run by people-to-people so we might feel like everyone is equal. Coming to America opened my eyes a great deal. At first I was skeptical about the King too. Until I learned all the things he's done for the country and I ask myself...how come the President of the United States don't have that quality...the very special key to hold a country together? People in Thailand, for example, are not forced to love the King. They decided to respect him themselves. If you have the chance, you should definitely visit Thailand or other similar countries. I didn't agree that they arrested the guy either. But I was hoping to point out the different values that other people have. Imagine someone does it to your mother or father, wouldn't you be offended too? Thanks for understanding.
U.S Politicians make decisions are based on the opinions of who is giving them the largest sum of money.
---Mike Schilling---
because of a couple of videos put up up by some stupid people, the website itself is banned? I am not following that logic. It's sort of pointless, i understand people feel disrespected, then people should condemn the videos and not even look at them or something but to ban a whole video sharing service...hmm..still confused.
"Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right."
http://www.progressiveu.org/231615-this-is-a-muslim-girls-plight
" "love em all,trust a few,and fear none"....thats wassup.one love. peace." mos def
I thought banning the website itself was a little too harsh too. A Thai newspaper said that the Thai government asked Youtube to take out the mocking videos, but Youtube refused. So, they had to ban Youtube because the website didn't cooperate with them and Thai people were getting pissed off big time. Later on those clips were removed anyway, probably due to many requests and the criticisms Youtube received.
Freedom with restrictions isn't actually freedom.