Petrol bomb attack on opposition TV presenter’s home

Reporters Without Borders condemns yesterday’s petrol bomb attack on the Bangkok home of Teemah “Judd” Kanjanapairin, the host of political programme on an opposition TV station. It is clear that Teemah was deliberately targeted. “We urge the authorities to investigate this attack in order to bring those responsible to justice,” Reporters Without Borders said. “The political position of a news organization or a journalist cannot legitimize the use of violence. Media freedom includes the freedom to support a political party.” An unidentified individual or individuals tossed the petrol bomb into the yard of Teemah’s home at around 2:30 a.m. yesterday and then fled. Teemah, who had returned home after hosting his programme and attending anti-government demonstrations, managed to put out the fire, which caused little damage and no injuries. Teemah presents a programme on Blue Sky TV, which supports Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, the current leader of the opposition to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Yingluck’s removal has been the main demand of a series of major opposition protests since October. Thailand is ranked 135th out of 179 countries in the 2013 Reporters Without Borders press freedom index.