Speakers' Corner topics are divided by interest and known as "classes". An area was set up in Bangkok in the 1930s, and quickly became known as Hyde Park, to enable freedom of speech and the airing of political views in Thailand. The area was shut down after student rioting and the lethal intervention of the army and it is not discussed openly today. In 1955, Marshal Plaek Pibulsonggram had visited London as part of an international tour. He became impressed with the 'Speakers' Corner' in Hyde Park. Upon his return to Thailand a 'Hyde Park' space for free speech and assembly was
Speakers' Corner, Singapore a permit as the topic of his speech was racially sensitive. A subsequent application for a permit was turned down. A contravention of the regulations renders speakers and organizers of demonstrations liable to fines of up to $10,000, or incarceration of up to six months. The penalty for displaying anything violent, lewd or obscene at a demonstration is a fine not exceeding $3,000 or, on a subsequent conviction, $5,000. Events which adhere to the regulations are also not immune from other existing laws such as those relating to defamation and sedition. In 2011, the regulations creating Speakers' Corner were suspended