A city-building simulation video game claimed to be a threat to Thailand's security was banned by censors under the country's military junta.
In Tropico 5, released by Kalypso Media in May, players take the role of a president of a country, managing the region from the colonial era through World War II and the Cold War, all the way up to present time. Throughout the game, the player has the power to decide their country's independence, create any rules they want, and draft a constitution. The player also has the option of controlling the media.
The film and video censorship office blocked sales of Tropico 5 because they feared "some part of its content might affect peace and order in the country," New Era Thailand marketing manager Nonglak Sahavattanapong told the AP.
A massive coup in Thailand on May 22 resulted in the overthrowing of a civilian government that has since led to a dictatorship headed up by the military.
Since the military dictatorship took over, the junta has blocked several forms of foreign entertainment, including Tropico 5.
Tropico 5 is the first version of the game to stir controversy in Thailand. New Era, the country's Tropico 5 distributer, sold Tropico 3 and 4 in the country without any issues, according to Eurogamer.net. Junta was also reported to be the first DLC for Tropico 4, which was released in Nov. 2011.
Sahavattanapong admitted to the Associated Press that some parts of the newest version of the game were inappropriate. Given the current situation in Thailand, the company is reportedly not planning on appealing its decision.
Censorship in Thailand is common among social and political issues, as the government also blurs out cigarettes and alcohol on television, and cracks down on scenes deemed immoral, pornographic, or critical of the monarchy.
Some notable films censored by Thailand in the past include a documentary about the country's long-running border dispute with neighboring Cambodia last year, and a Thai adaptation of Shakespeare's "Macbeth." Officials said these productions could cause divisiveness among the people in 2012.
