The Wire

While Australia, the UK and Eqypt consider strengthening their anti-terrorism powers in the face of multiple attacks around the globe, a new law adopted by the Thai government has today been condemned by the Press Council of Thailand. The Decree, brought in following attacks in the countries three Southern-most provinces where the countries Muslim minority has long fought a separatist battle, gives the Thai government powers to declare a state of emergency in any part of the country and guarentees government troops impunity from criminal, civil or disciplinary actions. However most alarmingly, the Decree gives the Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra the right to censor news and interfere with the way reporters gather information. And while the Thai government says that it will most likely not use the new powers, others believe the effects of the Decree are already having a marked effect on the countries media. Charles Gregory reports.