Bangkok: A foreign blogger, Murray Hunter, was arrested in Bangkok last month after failing to comply with summonses issued by Thai authorities to assist in an investigation, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MCMC stated that Hunter was detained on September 29 at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The arrest was linked to his failure to comply with directives issued by Thai authorities. The MCMC emphasized that all matters related to the arrest, potential offences, and any charges are under the jurisdiction of Thai authorities. They affirmed their respect for and compliance with the due process and decisions of the Thai justice system.

MCMC highlighted that police reports had been lodged in both Malaysia and Thailand in April and June 2024 concerning Hunter's publications related to Malaysian institutions, including MCMC. They noted that Hunter, an Australian citizen, had been operating from Thailand as his base of publication, with his content accessible within the country.

Additionally, a civil suit was filed in Malaysia, with the cause papers served on Hunter in Thailand.