Irony alert: Thailand junta bans 'Tropico 5' game that lets you play as a dictator

A video game distributor says Thailand's film and video censors have banned a city-building simulation game for computers because it could hurt the country's security. New Era Thailand marketing manager Nonglak Sahavattanapong said Monday the censorship office blocked sales of "Tropico 5" because they feared its content might affect peace and order. "Tropico 5" is the latest version of a game released by Kalypso Media. It allows players to play the role of a president of a tropical island, draft a constitution and manage the country, with the option of controlling the media and ruling as an iron-fisted dictator. Nonglak said the company will not appeal the decision. Thailand has been under a military dictatorship since May 22, when soldiers overthrew a civilian government in a coup. Associated Press