Local Web surfers can no longer access the YouTube site. The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Ministry said it had blocked the site because it contained a film clip deemed offensive to the monarchy.

The ministry was forced to block access to the entire site after failing to restrict just the alleged item.

YouTube lets users across the world post their

own videos or films. It has become one of the

Web's most popular sites.

ICT Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom said the government had approached the site owner, Google. However, the company said it had no policy about content deemed offensive in this country.

Sitthichai said Thailand considered the matter important and felt compelled to bar the site.

Access will be resumed when the allegedly offensive item is withdrawn.

He said jurisdictional and other legal complexities hindered legal action against the site and the content provider.

CAT Telecom executive Kitisak Sriprasert said it responded immediately after the ministry asked it to block access to YouTube.

The move was a short-term solution, he said.