“Thai printer replaces International New York Times article with blank space”, 1 Dec 2015

The International New York Times has blamed its local Thai printer for removing a front-page article on the country’s moribund economy and leaving a blank space on the cover. Self-censorship is on the rise in the south-east Asian country which is ruled by a military junta. In September, the same paper’s printer stopped its publication over an article on the country’s ailing king.

Tuesday’s story, headlined “Thai economy and spirits are sagging”, reported that Thai households are among the most indebted in Asia, robberies and property crimes have risen more than 60% this year, and the ruling generals are not eager to hand power back to politicians…

Eastern Printing PCL, the paper’s Thai printer, did not comment on why it cut the piece, according to Agence France-Presse…

…[The] story only briefly mentioned the king’s health but focused on low spirits in a country now ruled by unelected leaders. The printer’s action illustrates the shrinking room for dissent against any figures in power…