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YouTube Blocked in Thailand

by Tim Stevens on April 5, 2007 at 08:06 AM

While insulting George W Bush and posting the results on YouTube is a way of life here in America, other nations aren't so thrilled when their own leaders are the victims of silly videos. According to the New York Times, Thailand is one of them. In fact, they have blocked access to YouTube across the entire country after a single video insulting King Bhumibol Adulyadej was found.

The 44-second clip (now removed) shows the King with some clown paint superimposed to make him look somewhat comical. It pales in comparison to some of the more bitter online Bush attacks, but even an insult this mild is against Thai law. The author of the video (who calls him or herself Paddidda) faces jail time should he or she be found in the country. Sound extreme? A Swiss man just last week was sentenced to 10 years in jail for vandalizing images of the King and his Queen.

So, lesson (hopefully) learned: if you want to pick on an international political figure, just stick with good 'ol W.

From The New York Times


Tags: politics, thailand, YouTube

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