(TJA/IFEX) – The following is a TJA press release: Statement on World Press Freedom Day by Thai Journalists Association, May 3, 2001 On this festive occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2001, the Thai Journalists Association takes this opportunity to congratulate Thai journalists for their truthful and independent news coverage without fear or favor and […]
(TJA/IFEX) – The following is a TJA press release:
Statement on World Press Freedom Day
by Thai Journalists Association, May 3, 2001
On this festive occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2001, the Thai Journalists Association takes this opportunity to congratulate Thai journalists for their truthful and independent news coverage without fear or favor and for upholding principles of press freedom and responsible coverage to the public.
On this occassion, TJA would like to remind the government, politicians, bureaucrats, fellow journalists and the public of existing issues which can impede the full exercise of freedom of expression and the right to access to information, guarantee under the Constitution of the Kingdom of 1997, which are as follows:
1) Passage of draft Law on the Radio and Television Broadcasting Operation:
The draft law is a prerequisite to future media reform. Therefore, it required urgent government attention and treatment to ensure its passage as soon as possible. During the deliberation, views from all sides must be taken into consideration.
2) Recognition of media freedom and freedom of expression:
Implementation of Section 41 of the Constitution by both state and private sectors is still arbitrary. We call upon the powers-that-be as well as private media owners and operators to follow Section 41 without delay.
3) Review of the Official Information Act of 1997:
Due to practical problems in implementing the law, all parties concerned should seek further amendments to facilitate and improve public access to information, which is the heart of the current political reform.
4) Abolition of the Printing Act of 1941:
This archaic legislation, which is unconstitutional, must be annulled without any condition.
TJA expresses the hope that all sectors of Thai society are aware of its role in the ongoing reform efforts in political, economic and social affairs. It is pivotal that the public support should be accompanied with effective media monitoring to promote media ethics and accountability.
