The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation has ordered the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology to close 612 ‘subversive’ websites, most of which broadcast the red shirts’ rally.

A source at the CRES told Thai Rath that the number of websites closed was 612, an increase from the 420 reported the previous week.  Those who want to enter the websites are redirected to http://58.97.5.29/www.capothai.org/.

Most of the websites broadcast the protests of the red shirts, which the CRES considered to be ‘provocative and inciting political divisiveness.’

According to the source, the CRES, however, has found that the number of such websites has increased.  Websites that are closed can be reopened under new names within 5 minutes.

During the cabinet meeting at Government House on 11 May, ICT Minister Ranongrak Suwanchawee asked for cabinet approval of a budget of 530 million baht for the monitoring of websites considered a threat to national security and offensive to the monarchy.

Justice Minister Pheeraphan Saleeratthawiphak, however, was quick to say that the Justice Ministry had in fact also planned to do the same.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva then said that this was considered a good project.  He agreed to have it implemented, but he did not want to see many different teams set up to work separately.  He suggested this be a joint effort among relevant agencies, including the MICT, the Justice Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office.

He concluded that the cabinet approved the budget in principle, and the budget would be controlled by the PM’s Office and would be spent in consultation with the other two ministries.  

http://www.thairath.co.th/content/pol/82352