Pressure against Internet censorship is mounting, and members of Freedom Against Censorship in Thailand (FACT) have asked the information and communications technology minister to come clean on blackouts.

The group asserted that since the September 19 coup Internet censorship had increased 500 per cent. There are now 13,435 blocked websites.

"The [ministry] blacklist and all other information relating to censorship is covered by a veil of secrecy," the group said.

"FACT believes taxpayers have a right to know what goes on at every level of government. FACT believes the blacklist should be made public."

Media-reform campaigner Supinya Klangnarong and Canadian-born Bangkok-based C J Hinke are leading members.

The complaint to minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom was signed by 257 activists and 56 organisations opposing censorship from 19 countries.

It demands answers to 20 questions about Internet censorship. FACT maintains no law in Thailand sanctions censorship. "Web censorship is being done illegally," it insists.

FACT is seeking criteria employed in deciding if a site will be blocked.

The group made a submission to the National Human Rights Commission on November 15. FACT asserts the ministry "has consistently refused to cooperate" with commission requests for clarification.

"It's high time to lift up the rock under which bureaucrats at this maverick agency have long been hiding. It's time to end censorship in Thailand and pursue democracy," the group said in a statement.

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation