Bangkok Post editor ‘forced to step down’ over critical coverage of Thai military junta government

The editor of the Bangkok Post newspaper said he has been forced to step down after refusing to curtail critical coverage of the ruling military government.

Umesh Pandey, who has held the position since July 2016, said the board of directors asked him to “tone down” the newspaper’s reporting and editorials on the actions of the military government, particularly over their suppression of freedom of speech and the delays over long-promised elections.

“When asked to tone down I did not budge and was blunt in letting those who make decisions know that I would rather lose my position than bow my head,” said Pandey in a written statement on Monday night. 

“The axe finally came down on me just 60 days before my two year contract ended.”

The Bangkok Post board is made up of some of the most powerful figures in Thai business and education, many with close ties to the government. One member, Wuttisak Lapcharoensap, was floated as education minister last year. Neither Pandey nor members of the board responded to requests for comment.