Human Rights Watch condemns Thailand's indictment of journalist Murray Hunter

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a sharp condemnation of Thai authorities over their decision to indict Australian journalist Murray Hunter for criminal defamation, warning that the case represents a dangerous precedent for press freedom and an example of growing cross-border repression.

Hunter was formally indicted on 17 November 2025 for allegedly defaming the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in four articles published on his Substack newsletter in April 2024. The complaint originated from the MCMC’s legal representative in Thailand.

In response, HRW said the prosecution sends a deeply concerning message about Thailand’s willingness to aid foreign governments in targeting critics operating beyond their borders.

“The arrest and criminal defamation charges against Murray Hunter is an alarming example of cross-border efforts to suppress critical voices and media freedoms,” said Daniela Gavshon, Australia director at Human Rights Watch.

The charges, filed under section 328 of Thailand’s criminal code, each carry a penalty of up to two years in prison and fines of up to 200,000 baht (approximately US$6,175). Thai police detained Hunter on 29 September at Suvarnabhumi Airport, later releasing him on bail and confiscating his passport.

HRW has called for the charges to be dropped immediately and warned that proceeding with the trial — scheduled for 22 December at the Bangkok South Criminal Court — could severely damage Thailand’s international standing.

“Thailand should not be furthering the Malaysian government’s attempts to censor and prosecute its critics,” Gavshon added.

HRW highlighted the broader context of Hunter’s case, pointing to Malaysia’s history of restricting freedom of expression through legal mechanisms. In December 2024, the Malaysian parliament passed amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 that increased the MCMC’s regulatory powers.

The commission has repeatedly ordered access blocks on independent online news portals critical of the Malaysian government. However, HRW noted that the transnational nature of the charges against Hunter marks a new, troubling development.

The rights group also stressed that criminal defamation laws are incompatible with international human rights norms. It cited the United Nations Human Rights Committee, which has stated that “imprisonment is never an appropriate penalty” for defamation and that countries should work to decriminalise such offences.

“International human rights law allows for restrictions on freedom of expression to protect reputation, but these must be necessary and proportionate — not criminal,” HRW said.

The group further criticised Thailand’s track record of cooperation with foreign governments seeking to suppress dissent, pointing to other incidents of transnational repression. In August 2025, Thai authorities reportedly removed politically sensitive artwork about Hong Kong, Tibet, and Xinjiang from an exhibition in Bangkok at the request of the Chinese Embassy.

HRW stated that such actions are part of a wider pattern. Since the 2014 military coup, nearly 2,000 individuals in Thailand have faced criminal charges for exercising their right to free expression. Foreign nationals, including academics and journalists, have also come under scrutiny.

Among them is Paul Chambers, a prominent scholar in Thai studies, who was reportedly forced to leave the country earlier in 2025 due to mounting pressure.

Despite being a current member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Thailand has largely disregarded recommendations made during its 2021 Universal Periodic Review to improve protections for freedom of expression.

HRW is now calling on the Australian government and other concerned states to pressure Thailand to end the prosecution.

“Australia and other concerned governments should make it clear to Thai authorities that prosecuting Hunter will have a detrimental impact on Thailand’s reputation,” said Gavshon.