BANGKOK (DPA) — Thailand's military junta has reversed an earlier order which forbade all criticism of its rule.
It had ordered all media to cease criticism of its policies last week, but relented after a strong public backlash and a meeting with the Thai Journalists' Association.
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A new decree issued late Monday narrowed the criteria, making it illegal only to "criticise [the junta] with impure motives that slander and destroy public confidence."
It also reversed an earlier decision giving officials the power to close down media outlets that did not comply with the gag order.
The new orders say officials can only investigate media outlets, and forward their findings to the junta.
