Thailand censors websites defaming royalty
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Thai authorities have blocked 2,300 websites for allegedly insulting the country's monarchy.
A statement issued by the ministry of information and communication, says that they are awaiting court approval to restrict 400 more sites under laws to protect King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The lese majeste laws, which criminalises offenses against the reigning sovereign, have been repeatedly criticised by advocates of free speech and and media organisations.
The ministry has spent over $US1.2 million to buy equipment to target inappropriate web sites.
Defaming the royals in Thailand carries a a maximum jail sentence of 15 years.
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