Thai Printers Leave Blank Space on International New York Times Front Page

Readers of the International New York Times in Thailand were greeted by an unusual blank space on the paper's front page Tuesday after a printer in the country censored an article about the Thai economy.

The article, "Thai Economy and Spirits Are Sagging," which outlines the worrying state of the Thai economy, was published online on Sunday. According to the Associated Press, officials at Eastern Printing Co. said the story was too "sensitive" to publish and called it "inappropriate." The article also discusses Thailand's monarchy and a possible successor to the country's "ailing king." Insulting the monarchy in Thailand can bring a three- to 15-year prison sentence.

Thailand has been ruled by a military junta since May 2014, prompting many media outlets to self-censor in order to not offend the government.

Photos of the front page show a quote where the article would have been that reads, "The article in this space was removed by our printer in Thailand. The International New York Times and its editorial staff had no role in its removal."

Earlier this year, a Thai printer refused to put out the September 22 edition of the International New York Times, saying an article on the Thai monarchy was "too sensitive to print."

Press freedom in Thailand has plummeted over the past decade. The country is ranked 134 out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders 2015 World Press Freedom Index, falling from 65th place in 2002 and 59th place in 2004. The junta has "skillfully orchestrated" a tightening of freedom of information since taking power, according to a recent Reporters Without Borders report. The junta's tactics include raids on news outlets and detentions of journalists, the group says.