Thais use computers at an Internet cafe in downtown Bangkok in 2006. Global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders has accused the Thai government of using strict laws protecting the monarchy from insults to suppress dissenting voices on the Internet.

Global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders has accused the Thai government of using strict laws protecting the monarchy from insults to suppress dissenting voices on the Internet.

Thailand's communications minister last month said the government was considering spending millions of dollars on a firewall to block websites it deemed insulting to the deeply-revered royal family.

"As King Bhumibol Adulyadej is very popular, being over-protective of his image is one of the ways the government is using to win over those calling for its (the government's) overthrow," Reporters Without Borders said.

"The Thai government's desire to control online content is indicative of the difficulties it is encountering in recovering some support," the Paris-based group said in the statement released late Tuesday.

Thailand's communications minister Mun Patanotai said Wednesday that his ministry had already closed down "a considerable number of websites" and vowed to boost the crackdown.

Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej (L) and Queen Sirikit (R) perform a ceremony during the six-day funeral of Princess Galyani Vadhana at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders has accused the Thai government of using strict laws protecting the monarchy from insults to suppress dissenting voices on the Internet.

"We will intensify measures to allow any telecommunications official to shut down websites immediately if they think it's insulting the monarchy. They don't have to wait for official confirmation," Mun told reporters.

He said, however, that the software needed to block the websites would cost three million baht (about 86,000 dollars), significantly less than the 14 million dollars initially slated.

The royal family's role in politics has been a touchy subject in recent months as street protests by an anti-government group claiming loyalty to the monarchy drag on. The king has not commented on the recent turmoil.

The army chief and premier have recently accused unnamed groups of defaming the royals, a grave crime in Thailand that carries a maximum jail sentence of 15 years, but which media groups say is often used as a political tool.

Global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders has accused the Thai government of using strict laws protecting the monarchy from insults to suppress dissenting voices on the Internet.

Thailand made headlines around the world last year when it blocked the popular video-sharing website YouTube after clips started appearing mocking the deeply-revered King Bhumibol.

This and similar moves to implement tougher laws controlling cyberspace prompted press watchdogs to warn of increasing censorship after the coup that overthrew prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2006.

Thaksin's allies returned to government in December 2007, prompting his detractors to take to the streets in May this year.

Both pro- and anti-government sides have accused each other of slighting the royals and earlier this month Sulak Sivaraksa, a well-known academic and critic of Thaksin, was arrested on suspicion of insulting the monarchy.

© 2008 AFP