Thai PM: 'We'll probably just execute' journalists who don't conform to rules
Thai junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha said Wednesday that his country will execute journalists who don't follow rules to "report the truth."
When reporters asked Prayuth what his government would do to journalists who didn't stick to the rules, he responded, "We'll probably just execute them."
The harsh statement comes after Prayuth announced last month that he had the power to shut down entire news outlets if necessary, Reuters reports.
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In Wednesday's statement, Prayuth said that reporters should write articles that promote "national reconciliation" in Thailand, according to Reuters. Prayuth has previously spoken out against the Thai-language newspaper Matichon, accusing it of supporting Thailand's previous administration more than his.
"You don't have to support the government, but you should report the truth," Prayuth said.
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Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.
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