Page 10 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL13

Our experience has shown that society progresses fastest and deals most effectively with the challenges it faces when the people can know the truth about what’s happeningHow does the US government see freedom of speech in Thailand, and how far away are we from what it should be?We don’t set up specific expectations for specific countries when it comes to media freedom. We’re attached to the principle of free speech and freedom of association based on universal principles. These are principles set forth by UN documents to which Thailand has subscribed as well. We think it’s very important for the strength of modern societies that press can be free to report. Our experience has shown that society progresses fastest and deals most effectively with the challenges it faces when the people can know the truth about what’s happening. That all members of society can have a voice in the country’s future is really important for the society to move forward and function well. These are the kinds of points that we make to the Thai government about the importance of Thailand adhering to those principles. When we see laws passed or situations developing here that tend to restrict those civil liberties we speak out. We want Thailand to be strong, free, prosperous and stable.Given the current realities in Thailand, do you think true democracy is even possible?8 Elite+