By Suchada Tupchai
Welcome to prime time, as the press fights back against
government threats. The Regional Press and Newspaper Association of
Thailand has issued an official statement commenting on the government’s
bullying of the media. The report says the government is affecting the
media’s ability to carry out its duty and is also affecting the image of
the country in general. It looks like we are not going to see an end to the
issue anytime soon.
Part of the statement said government agencies such as
the Public Relations Department, which issues cable TV licenses, and the
administrative and political factions that order those responsible for
provincial administration such as governors and provincial public relations
agencies, had asked cable TV operators to cooperate and refrain from
televising the satellite ASTV programs, especially “Thailand Weekly”
belonging to the Manager newspaper group. The reason given was that
the content was creating misunderstandings about government administration,
and on occasions referring to higher institutions. Police had also carried
out inspections at cable TV stations around the country and requested
information without stating their reasons, which worried and sent tremors
through cable TV operators, the statement said.
The Association of Thai Radio and Television News
Broadcasters and the Press Association of Thailand agree that the
government’s actions amount to a breach of the freedom of the press to
carry out its duties, and the freedom of the public’s right to receive
information. This is contrary to the 1997 Thai constitution and would not
happen in a truly democratic society.
The use of government authority and political power to
stop the airing of cable TV programs, thus denying the public of its right
to news is being closely watched. If any cable TV station transmits
non-factual content or affects any single person, the judicial system is
there to be implemented. The most important voice is the voice of the
people in its right to know. The government has no right constitutionally
or morally to interfere either directly or indirectly. Even though the
government chooses not to answer press questions concerning accusations of
interference, millions of people are waiting for answers.
