KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said that the recent arrest of Australian political commentator Murray Hunter in Thailand was related to his non-compliance with summonses issued by Thai authorities.
In a statement, These summonses were part of an ongoing investigation into Hunter’s publications, which have criticised Malaysian institutions, including MCMC.
The arrest occurred on September 29, 2025, at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, where Hunter was preparing to board a flight to Hong Kong.
According to MCMC, the summonses were issued following reports lodged in both Malaysia and Thailand in April and June 2024 concerning Hunter’s publications, which were accessible within Thailand.
MCMC’s statement further clarified that a civil suit had also been filed in Malaysia, and relevant legal documents were served on Hunter while he was in Thailand.
The Commission said that the arrest was carried out under a warrant issued by the Bangkok Southern Criminal Court, and the specific allegations against Hunter have not yet been made public.
“All legal matters relating to the arrest and any subsequent charges are under the jurisdiction of the Thai authorities,” MCMC said.
The Commission also reiterated its commitment to respecting the due process of the Thai legal system, adding that it would comply with any decisions made by Thai courts.
Hunter, who has long been based in Thailand after living in Malaysia, expressed shock at the arrest, saying, “I was shocked by what happened. I have not done anything wrong in Thailand,” according to a local news outlet. – October 3, 2025