Pro-democracy protesters gather at Digital Ministry in Bangkok, following social media outrage over censorship of adult entertainment website PornHub last night

Bangkok –

A group of pro-democracy activists gathered at the Digital Ministry at the Government Complex in the Chaengwattana district of Bangkok this evening, November 3, following the Thai government’s ban on adult entertainment website PornHub last night, along with supposedely 190 other adult websites.

The rally is mainly organized by an activist group called ‘Anonymous Party’ who posted an online statement earlier that the government’s censorship is merely limiting their people’s freedom and choices of accessing personally favorable content.

One of the participants, Pakorn Porncheewangkul, told the Associated Press that the gathering will be publicly discussing the issues of how banning and blocking adult websites would improve any aspects of Thai society since illegal prostitution still explicitly exists in every corner of the country, according to him.

Pakorn stated: “Previously, we have seen many adult websites shut down, but not many gambling websites, which has destroyed good relationships in many family institutions more than pornography sites.”

“Another subject we will be discussing today is why the possession of sex toy devices and the concept of prostitution are considered scandalous and illegal when, ironically, one of the countries main income and worst kept secrets has always come from sex tourism.”

The Digital Economy and Society Ministry has blocked access to pornography website Pornhub and 190 other adult content websites yesterday, November 2, prompting social media anger over censorship and a call for the demonstration today.

Digital minister Putthipong Punnakan stated earlier today that the censorship was conducted accordingly with widespread complaints from concerned parents, monks, teachers, and conservative leaders.

According to the minister, the contents have been suspended due to its illegal acts in accordance with the Computer-related Crime Act and the Gambling Act and additional amendments. He also claimed that the ban has nothing to do with certain clips featuring some allegedly compromising clips of dignataries.

Read further explanation of his statement regarding the censorship HERE

Meanwhile, Putthipong addressed that complaints and a current protest against the government’s decision would not affect the decision as the Ministry has already enforced the law merely for the good values of Thai society and its country.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=–=–=–=–==-

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and get all our news delivered to you in one spam-free daily e-mail Click here!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google News, Instagram, Tiktok, Youtube, Pinterest, Parler, Flipboard or Tumblr

Join the discussion in our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/438849630140035/or in the comments below.

Subscribe
Nop Meechukhun
National News Writer at The Pattaya News from September 2020 to October, 2022. Born and raised in Bangkok, Nop enjoys telling stories of her hometown through her words and pictures. Her educational experience in the United States and her passion for journalism have shaped her genuine interests in society, politics, education, culture, and art.