(TJA/IFEX) – The following is a TJA press release: TJA Appeals to Government for a More Concrete Implementation of Media Reform Plan May 3, 2002 Bangkok As World Press Freedom Day, endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), marks its 11th anniversary on May 3, 2002, the Thai Journalists Association (TJA) […]
(TJA/IFEX) – The following is a TJA press release:
TJA Appeals to Government for a More Concrete Implementation of Media Reform Plan
May 3, 2002
Bangkok
As World Press Freedom Day, endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), marks its 11th anniversary on May 3, 2002, the Thai Journalists Association (TJA) would like to commend the Thai media for sticking together in order to perform its duty freely. TJA also applauds the media for maintaining both the principle of media freedom and journalistic ethics and demonstrating a responsible attitude towards media consumers and society as a whole.
On this auspicious occasion, TJA would like to turn the attention of the government, politicians, civil servants, media friends and Thai citizens to the present legal issues and government policies that obstruct the public from fully exercising its freedom of expression and the right to be informed, envisaged in the 1997 Constitution. The following issues need to be addressed:
1) The government, led by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his cabinet, never introduced any concrete measure to safeguard against a direct or indirect abuse of power by any official agency that threatens, intimidates or interferes with the media. Any indication that the government has changed its mind would require the introduction of a penal code to punish those civil servants that resist the government’s policy to support media freedom when presenting the news and expressing their opinions.
2) The government never paid attention to the process of drafting the Broadcasting Bill, which is a crucial legal instrument to determine the formula and guidelines for media reform. Needless to say, its disregard for reform in the radio and television industry often brought about problems in the pursuance of its commitment to the letter and spirit of the constitution with regard to media freedom.
For example, there was a recent order to close down community radio stations that were airing on a trial basis, which constitutionally conformed to the media reform. This government action totally contradicts the policy to develop and support community media laid out by UNESCO. Thailand is a UNESCO member state.
3) Despite the government’s proclamation in its policy statement, there is still a lack of progress in the amendment to the 1997 Official Information Act, which came into force in 1997 but encountered hurdles in its implementation.
4) The government has paid scant attention to the question of revoking the 1941 Publishing Act, which is outdated and runs counter to the spirit and letter of the present constitution. To scrap this draconian act outright is crucial to the image and credibility of Thailand in the international community.
It is our highest hope that all sections of Thai society recognize the important role the media profession plays in bringing about political, economic and social change. This sharing of responsibility helps support media freedom and, at the same time, aids in scrutinizing media performance.
Thai Journalists Association
May 3, 2002
