Reports from Thailand state that 26 community radio stations have recently been closed down by the government using emergency decrees. Thai authorities claim that the stations incited people to join the Red Shirt protests earlier this year and were guilty of distorting information. The government had initiated a media blackout during the protests. Allegedly, 35 people linked to the stations are being threatened with lawsuits for the offences. Staff have been reminded not to air any political views at some community stations to avoid government censorship. Reports state that 500 officials were mobilised in closing down one station in Chiang Mai.