Thread by @zenjournalist

Twitter has made a huge strategic blunder by launching a @TwitterThailand account along with a statement from Southeast Asia CEO @arvindergujral that admits Twitter has been working with “government departments and ministries”. blog.twitter.com/en_sea/topics/… #ไม่เอาทวิตเตอร์ไทยแลนด์ 1/8

Thais are well aware that the government, palace and military are the main sources of fake news and misinformation in the kingdom. The regime is also trying to get Facebook and Twitter to censor critical posts about the monarchy and military. 2/8

Thais were already suspicious of Twitter after digital economy minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta revealed had held discussions with the social media platform. 3/8

There is also concern over whether Twitter might hand over user data to the Thai regime, following the arrest of Twitter user @ssj_2475 who had posted criticism of the monarchy. It remains unknown how the regime discovered his identity and IP address. 4/8

By announcing that Twitter has been cooperating with the regime, @arvindergujral has dramatically undermined trust in the platform. The hashtag #ไม่เอาทวิตเตอร์ไทยแลนด์ is dominating the conversation on Twitter right now. 5/8

Gujral's says Twitter is supporting efforts to “provide accurate data, track down misinformation and disinformation, as well as to fight for democracy, justice and free speech in Thailand and around the region”. 6/8

But these goals are totally incompatible with any cooperation with the Thai regime. To claim to support freedom of speech and accurate reporting, while also partnering with the regime, shows that either Twitter doesn't understand the situation in Thailand or doesn't care. 7/8

Thais have been increasingly adopting Twitter because it was seen as a platform where they could speak freely and safely. Now, many are deleting their Twitter accounts.

Twitter needs to urgently pledge that it will cease cooperation with the Thai regime. 8/8