AUSTRALIAN journalist Murray Hunter will stand trial in Bangkok on Dec 21, after a Thai court indicted him on a criminal defamation charge - a charge that was pushed by Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Hunter, who resides in Hat Yai, was arrested on Sept 29 at Suvarnabhumi Airport as he attempted to fly to Hong Kong.
Acting at Malaysia’s request, Thai police detained him overnight, seized his passport and released him on 20,000 baht bail. He is barred from leaving Bangkok until the case concludes.
According to Bangkok Post, the charge stems from Hunter’s Substack articles accusing the MCMC of overreach, political influence and intimidating the public — allegations the commission denied as “baseless.”
Malaysia’s High Court later ruled against him in a civil defamation suit, a judgment Hunter claims he was never formally served.
As Malaysia has no criminal defamation laws, legal advocates say the MCMC’s attempt to prosecute him via Thailand is unprecedented.
“The MCMC duped the Thai police to use criminal defamation on me,” Hunter told Asia Sentinel, warning that Thailand could now become a tool for foreign governments seeking to silence journalists.
Human rights groups say the case fits a disturbing pattern of ASEAN “swap-mart” repression, where governments collaborate to target critics across borders.
Phil Robertson of Asia Human Rights & Labor Advocates said Malaysia is engaging in “blatant transnational repression” and accused Thai authorities of being “played for fools” by the MCMC.
The move has also provoked anger in Malaysia. Many Malaysians — including prominent public figures — have questioned why the MCMC is involving Thailand’s criminal system to pursue what was initially a civil dispute, and how this impacts the government of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s reformist credentials.
In fact, Hunter stated that he believes Anwar to still be a true reformer. Speaking to The Vibes, Hunter said he does not blame Anwar or Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, placing responsibility solely on the leadership of the MCMC.
Hunter remains out on bail in Bangkok, awaiting trial, with his passport still withheld by authorities.
The Vibes has contacted MCMC for comments. – November 19, 2025
