TJA Slams Information Operations Targeting Journalist in Narathiwat

The Thai Journalists Association (TJA) has protested against the use of Information Operations (IO) allegedly employed to intimidate Thapanee Eadsrichai from The Reporters. This action follows her coverage of an assassination attempt on Prachachat Party MP, Kamonsak Leewamoh, in Narathiwat on March 20. The TJA's statement highlights concerns over this tactic, emphasizing its impact on media freedom.

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Kamonsak survived an attack while traveling to his home when gunmen opened fire on his vehicle. The car used in the assault was traced back to the 4th Army’s Forward Command of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC). Investigations revealed that the vehicle had been borrowed by an army officer from a naval officer responsible for ISOC’s service vehicles.

A contentious remark by Lt Gen Norathip Poynok of the 4th Army Region, suggesting that an involved ISOC officer would not have missed the target, has exacerbated concerns. The TJA criticized coordinated online accusations against Thapanee, which appeared orchestrated as part of IO rather than personal opinions.

The association underscored the obligation of journalists to query issues of public significance without facing retaliation. It condemned the security sector in Southern Thailand for utilizing IO to silence dissent and undermine media outlets. The TJA labeled these tactics as serious threats to press freedom, calling for investigations and a cessation of divisive policies.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Thai PBS · 15 Apr 2026