US EditionAustralian Says He Was Improperly Arrested in Thailand over His Criticism of Malaysia
Murray Hunter faces defamation charges punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of 200,000 baht, highlighting concerns of regional efforts to silence critics.
- On Monday, Murray Hunter, 66, was arrested at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport as he was about to board a flight to Hong Kong, and he says the arrest was improper.
- Murray Hunter says the charge arose from his 2024 Substack articles about Malaysia and he blames the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission for the complaint.
- Jailed overnight, he was released on 20,000 baht bail pending a November 17, 2023 court appearance.
- Civil society groups condemned the arrest, with Malaysia's Centre for Independent Journalism and PEN Malaysia issuing a joint statement, while Hunter warned journalists could be picked off flights.
- Human Rights Watch and UN rights experts have documented cross-border repression, and a July report expressed `profound concern` about its rise involving Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Australian Scholar Faces Thai Court After Alleged Malaysian-Backed Cross-Border Arrest
An independent journalist body based in Malaysia has condemned an alleged cross-border arrest of Australian scholar and writer Murray Hunter. Hunter, 66, was allegedly detained by Thai authorities on Sept. 29 over a defamation charge he claims came from the Malaysian government following blog articles he had penned in 2024. Malaysian group Centre for Independent Journalism issued a statement expressing “deep concern” in regard to Hunter’s detain…
Ottumwa Courier
Australian says he was improperly arrested in Thailand over his criticism of Malaysia
An Australian man arrested in Thailand on a defamation charge he says originated with Malaysia's government claims he is a victim of transnational repression, in which Southeast Asia countries cooperate in seizing dissidents or critics who are not on their…
Australian National Review - Australian Scholar Faces Thai Court After Alleged Malaysian-Backed Cross-Border Arrest
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (centre R) waves from an open-top car owned and driven by East Timor’s President Jose Ramos-Horta (seated), as Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao (centre L) looks on, upon his arrival in Dili on Sept. 23, 2025. Valentino Dariell De Sousa/AFP via Getty Images An independent journalist body based in Malaysia has condemned an alleged cross-border arrest of Australian scholar and writer Murray Hunter. Hunter, 66, w…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
