In a country where media censorship is common, the Bangkok Post portrays itself as being comparatively free. There are instances where the newspaper has been accused of self-censorship to avoid controversy or conflict with powerful individuals, including adherence to the country's strict lèse-majesté law, which prohibits open criticism of members of the Thai Royal Family. Yet another example was the newspaper's failure during the Vietnam War to report on bombing forays made from US Air Force bases in Thailand over military targets in North Vietnam and Cambodia, none of which received coverage in the local press. The newspaper also is known for providing critical coverage and commentary on controversial topics, such as the impact of dam construction on farmers[1] corruption in the international rice trade,[2] extrajudicial killings as part of the 'war on drugs'[3] and political controversies surrounding the Thaksin family.[4]