YouTube Kisses Thai King's Feet, Makes Up
If you don't know the story, you probably don't get the reference. YouTube has been banned in Thailand for the last five months, but the ban has just been lifted, after YouTube added filters.
The reason for the ban was that an anonymous user posted a clip showing digitally-altered images of King Bhumibol Adulyadej next to a photograph of feet. Unknown to many (like me) Thais believe feet are the lowest and dirtiest part of the body, and avoid ever showing the soles of their feet in public - and placing feet next to anyone's head is seen as a tremendous insult. So, you can see the king might be upset.
YouTube has added filters that will ensure that clips of the king will not be viewable in Thailand (proxy servers, anyone?). The thing is, the ban actually backfired, as clips lampooning the king mushroomed after the ban was publicized.
Oh, and it looks like the original clip is gone; can't find it with a search. What you can find, if you search for "Thailand feet" is a series of clips named "Thai university girls' feet" and other such titles. Looks like besides being insulted, there's also a bit of foot fetish behavior in Thailand. 
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1 comments:
As for monarchies blocking Youtube, I don't think censorship is hardly ever permissible, and especially not when it concerns one of the most important figures in the state.
How can you say you're a free society when criticism of a man who is vital to the country's image is illegal?
Thailand is developing in a right way, so it should be very careful about such cases, cause it might do harm in improving international relations, attracting tourists, businessmen who want to invest in Thailand property.
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