An Australian academic and journalist is facing a criminal defamation trial in Thailand over articles he wrote that were critical of the Malaysian government's internet regulator, in a case that has raised significant concerns about press freedom in Southeast Asia.
The Charges and Allegations
Murray Hunter, a long-term resident of southern Thailand, will stand trial in a Bangkok court in December. The charges stem from four articles published on his Substack platform in April 2024, where he accused the Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) of abusing its power, censoring websites critical of the government, and alleged that its chair held a conflict of interest.
Hunter was arrested at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport in September as he attempted to board a flight to Hong Kong. Although granted bail, his passport was confiscated. The offence carries a potential penalty of two years in prison or a 200,000 baht fine (approximately AUD$9,500).
A Transnational Legal Battle
This cross-border case is considered rare for Southeast Asia and has been described by Thai Lawyers for Human Rights as a "transnational SLAPP case". SLAPP, which stands for Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, refers to legal actions often used by powerful entities to silence critics by burdening them with costly legal defences.
Hunter told media outlets that the situation felt "surreal" and that he views the case as an attempt by MCMC leadership to "silence me and give a lesson to others." He described it as a "wake-up call for journalists in the region who could be arrested on the complaint of others in third countries."
Broader Implications for Press Freedom
The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand has expressed serious concern about Hunter's prosecution, stating that it demonstrates how easily Thailand's criminal defamation laws can be weaponised to suppress criticism. In a public statement, the organisation said "The way the law operates is a serious threat to freedom of expression" and called for the immediate dropping of charges against Hunter.
Adding complexity to the situation, the MCMC has already won a civil defamation case against Hunter in Malaysian courts, which the journalist claims he was not informed about. The club noted that "It is rare for a Thai judge to dismiss a defamation complaint, and Thai courts are tied up with thousands of ongoing trials for often frivolous charges."
This case highlights growing concerns about the use of legal systems across Southeast Asia to intimidate and silence journalists and critics, creating a chilling effect on press freedom throughout the region.
