Officials said routine monitoring of news coverage is intended to track public concerns and correct misinformation, not to restrict journalists or media organizations.
BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has dismissed claims alleging that it has been monitoring media organizations or placing particular news outlets under special surveillance, stating that it has no policy of restricting the press or interfering with journalists in carrying out their duties.
Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said the government respects all forms of media, including mainstream outlets, online media, and content creators, and regards press freedom as a fundamental element of democracy. She affirmed that journalists, with factual and reliable information, can continue to report on, scrutinize, and openly criticize the administration.
Addressing the recent discontinuation of a well-known television program in Bangkok, Rachada said the matter was unrelated to any government order or interference and does not prevent the program’s hosts or other media outlets from continuing to report on and scrutinize the government.
The government spokesperson stated that government agencies routinely monitor news coverage to understand public opinion, complaints, and criticism and to clarify inaccurate or misleading information when necessary. She added that these actions do not constitute restrictions on press freedom and reaffirmed that the government remains open to public scrutiny and has no policy of interfering with the media. (NNT)
