SPECIAL REPORT: Media freedom takes beating under junta

[rooster59]

SPECIAL REPORT: Media freedom takes beating under junta

By KITTIPONG THAVEVONG 
THE NATION

 

 

Through its orders, NCPO has managed to rein in outlets.

 

THOUGH there are no longer military personnel posted at media outlets, unlike during the period following the military coup on May 22, 2014, a tight grip on media has been maintained more surreptitiously via junta laws and orders.

 

 

Journalists and media groups have complained about restrictions on press freedom under the junta, which has been in power for four years. Media groups contend that freedom has been curbed by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) through its orders and announcements.

Even a junta plan to reform the media, as part of national reforms, is viewed as an attempt to control free flow of information. The plan calls for the issuance of a new law that aims to regulate the media through “promoting ethics and standards for the profession”, rather than protecting freedom of the media against many existing restrictive laws such as the Computer Crime Act.

 

On World Press Freedom Day on May 3, media associations called on the NCPO to revoke its orders and announcements deemed to restrict freedom of the press. Among some 800 orders issued by the junta over the past years it has been in power, several have restricted media freedom.

 

In many instances, those orders and announcements were used to close – temporarily or permanently – TV stations critical of the NCPO and its government. Among those targeted were Voice TV, Peace TV, TV24, DMC and Fah Hai TV. Most of them are linked to the red shirts and are satellite-based, except Voice TV, which is a digital channel run by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s son Panthongtae.

 

In addition to media outlets, authorities have also censored news websites by blocking access to them. Critical journalists have been summoned by the junta for “attitude adjustment” sessions at military barracks, among them former senior Nation reporter Pravit Rojanaphruk.

 

The junta’s tough actions have caused the mainstream media to turn to self-censorship.

 

 

The restrictive orders will also affect the media and journalists after the junta has left power, since they will be inherited by the post-coup government. Orders issued by the coup-makers are regarded as laws and could prove difficult to rescind.

 

For example, it took a 14-year campaign by media groups before an elected government in 1990 rescinded the restrictive National Reform Council Order No 42 (“Por Ror Sisib Song”). The order, issued after a military coup in October 1976, prohibited newspapers from publishing any content deemed threatening to national security or damaging to the government, the country or the Thai people as a whole. It also empowered authorities to withdraw the licence for publishers, editors and owners involved, which led to newspapers being closed down.

 

Media associations also campaigned against moves perceived as attempts to control the media through legislation passed under the guise of “media reform”. They protested against a bill proposed by the National Reform Steering Assembly that would require licensing of media professionals and a regulatory committee that would include top bureaucrats. Media cried foul and pointed to the possibility of state interference.

 

The bill later was discarded, but a similar law is in the making after the formation of the National Reform Committee on Media and Information Technology, which includes some prominent media personalities. The junta’s master plan for reforming the country in 11 areas, including the media and IT, has been in effect since April 6. Promoting media ethics and standards are some of the aspects in the reform plan.

 

The new legislation, on the Promotion of Media Ethics and Professional Standard, is being drafted and is expected to be enacted within this year. Called the “media control law”, this bill has been strongly opposed by the Thai Journalists Association and other media professional groups.

 

Over the past four years, the junta has managed to control community radio stations that were often used to spread political views and mobilise political support before the coup. As a result, many “red shirt” radio hosts moved online, setting up news channels on YouTube.

But they have to run their programmes from outside the country.

 

In the meantime, Thailand has seen the birth of new media outlets since the coup, including BBC Thai, Standard and The Matter, whose online articles have been critical of the junta.

 

On the international front, Thailand’s image over the past four years has taken a beating with freedom of the press on the decline.

Reporters Without Borders called junta leader General Prayut Chan-o-cha a “press freedom predator” and accused the NCPO of keeping journalists and web bloggers under permanent surveillance.

 

The NCPO “often summons them for questioning and detains them arbitrarily”, it said.

 

The international media watchdog’s 2018 World Press Freedom Index ranks Thailand at 140 out of 180 countries, slightly better than last year when the Kingdom was at 142. Thailand was ranked 136 in 2016, 134 in 2015, and 130 in 2014.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30346296

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-05-26

 

[YetAnother]

9 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

The restrictive orders will also affect the media and journalists after the junta has left power, since they will be inherited by the post-coup government. Orders issued by the coup-makers are regarded as laws and could prove difficult to rescind.

permanent scars; what would you expect from a military government; after Prayut steals the next premiership, wouldnt doubt there are already backroom plans call for a coup at the end of that time

[Samui Bodoh]

39 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

The NCPO “often summons them for questioning and detains them arbitrarily”, it said.

 

The international media watchdog’s 2018 World Press Freedom Index ranks Thailand at 140 out of 180 countries, slightly better than last year when the Kingdom was at 142. Thailand was ranked 136 in 2016, 134 in 2015, and 130 in 2014.

The quote above speaks volumes and speaks for itself.

 

There are so many potential things to post about on this issue; general media freedom, the use of governmental power to politically silence opposition figures/speech, the basic right to information, the use of restrictive laws to preemptively prohibit stories affecting people or events which are clearly wrong, the use of the vague 'Computer Crimes' act which can realistically mean anyone is liable for a charge, especially if they are not rich or connected, the potential 'licensing' of journalists, etc etc, etc.

 

One could easily write several PhD thesis' worth of material on Media and Thailand!

 

In my humble opinion, perhaps the most significant issue is corruption; simply put there is ample and abundant evidence globally that countries that have free(r) media have less corruption. TVF members, like me, who live here and/or spend large amounts of time in country see the tremendous corruption that occurs daily in Thailand and understand that were that to go down, there would be an immediate increase in the quality of life for Thais and expats alike. The lack of ability for media outlets to publish goes beyond simple theft or nepotism; there are sooooooo many practices here that while legal, simply would not pass the smell test were they publicized. I remember a while back a rare story about how the bureaucrats arrange what are essentially job interviews using public monies with their private sector counterparts just before they retire; it was billed as a 'public consultation', but off the record people admitted to its purpose. Another favourite is the overseas 'learning trip' where government people get to travel on the taxpayer's dime and have a great old time; were there a free(r) media publicizing these, I think the sheer number would drop like a proverbial stone. Or, how about an honest and comprehensive list of all the perks that the bureaucrats are able to access? I'd LOVE to see that! These examples, as with so many, many more, are rarely seen or heard in a country where the right to publish is iffy at best and downright dangerous at worst. I could go on, but I am worried that some official will come along and... ?

 

I understand that media can be a pain in the ass for public figures, the rich and powerful and/or government; 'Boo Hoo'.

 

The old adage that "Sunlight is the best disinfectant" is true.

 

Thailand could use a little disinfecting...

 

Edited May 26, 2018 by Samui Bodoh
Lack of coffee

[RichardColeman]

Keep it going, get the wife to the uk and get her claim asylum !

[Eligius]

A good, informative article. 

 

But we should not forget that many members of the Thai media not only went along with the junta's demands, but did so with shameful relish and gleeful subservience. Remember the little male reporter, kneeling at Prayut's feet, who let the Leader fondle his ear and pat him on the head, in full display of all the other reporters? Remember the reporters who dressed up as little children for the Leader on Children's Day (aka Tank-and-Military Brainwashing Day - get 'em early, get 'em young!)?

      There have been a few brave media outlets that took risks and were penalised, again and again; but generally the media here have nothing to be proud of in their collaboration - yes, collaboration - with the military junta.

 

If things are beginning to change a little now - that is something that is long, long overdue. But the media under Prayut have certainly not covered themselves in glory.

 

 

Edited May 26, 2018 by Eligius

[candide]

I am surprised no one objects that he can now walk on pavements without being bithered by street shops or park his bike more easily.....?

[Anak Nakal]

Good media=good government.

In Thailand now, bad media=bad government.

This not hard.

[chainarong]

2 hours ago, candide said:

I am surprised no one objects that he can now walk on pavements without being bithered by street shops or park his bike more easily.....?

Yes that might be so , but that is only a sideshow to the real issues,  Freedom and the likelihood of a totalitarian Government that might very well say and can say,  but they won't ,  all farang's go home and a press that's like China's, enjoy your walk. 

[Eligius]

1 hour ago, chainarong said:

Yes that might be so , but that is only a sideshow to the real issues,  Freedom and the likelihood of a totalitarian Government that might very well say and can say,  but they won't ,  all farang's go home and a press that's like China's, enjoy your walk. 

Completely agree with you, Chainarong. Totalitarian. Good word (or rather, evil word, evil thing). But Candide (in the post you referenced) was in fact being sarcastic. He in no way thinks that (allegedly) clearing up the pavements is compensation for an autocratic regime (there are other words for it, but we cannot use them here ...).

[hansnl]

8 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

The quote above speaks volumes and speaks for itself.

 

There are so many potential things to post about on this issue; general media freedom, the use of governmental power to politically silence opposition figures/speech, the basic right to information, the use of restrictive laws to preemptively prohibit stories affecting people or events which are clearly wrong, the use of the vague 'Computer Crimes' act which can realistically mean anyone is liable for a charge, especially if they are not rich or connected, the potential 'licensing' of journalists, etc etc, etc.

 

One could easily write several PhD thesis' worth of material on Media and Thailand!

 

In my humble opinion, perhaps the most significant issue is corruption; simply put there is ample and abundant evidence globally that countries that have free(r) media have less corruption. TVF members, like me, who live here and/or spend large amounts of time in country see the tremendous corruption that occurs daily in Thailand and understand that were that to go down, there would be an immediate increase in the quality of life for Thais and expats alike. The lack of ability for media outlets to publish goes beyond simple theft or nepotism; there are sooooooo many practices here that while legal, simply would not pass the smell test were they publicized. I remember a while back a rare story about how the bureaucrats arrange what are essentially job interviews using public monies with their private sector counterparts just before they retire; it was billed as a 'public consultation', but off the record people admitted to its purpose. Another favourite is the overseas 'learning trip' where government people get to travel on the taxpayer's dime and have a great old time; were there a free(r) media publicizing these, I think the sheer number would drop like a proverbial stone. Or, how about an honest and comprehensive list of all the perks that the bureaucrats are able to access? I'd LOVE to see that! These examples, as with so many, many more, are rarely seen or heard in a country where the right to publish is iffy at best and downright dangerous at worst. I could go on, but I am worried that some official will come along and... ?

 

I understand that media can be a pain in the ass for public figures, the rich and powerful and/or government; 'Boo Hoo'.

 

The old adage that "Sunlight is the best disinfectant" is true.

 

Thailand could use a little disinfecting...

 

I guess you are right.

However, I have the idea, from what I have seen and heard in my own country, it may not be so widespread, but certainly is there.

Less open, but very much more profitable.

And yes, if caught, higher fines and prison sentences, depending on rank, of course.

[yellowboat]

If memory serves, Thailand use to be 56 on the freedom rating before the coup.  Given how vapid and vacant today's leadership is,  these low ratings are not surprising. 

[greenchair]

It always amuses me when people that were instrumental in facilitating this coup to fruition, are now realising what they have done and paying a very high price. 

 

I always said, better the devil you know. 

Som nam na. 

[Eric Loh]

Myanmar is ranked better than Thailand. Ouch, take a bow junta. You did it. ? 

[metisdead]

Phrases which can be considered as anti-coup will be removed. Referring to Thailand or the government as a dictatorship, military dictatorship or other such terms will be removed. Any posts which can be construed as rumor mongering are not allowed.

Posters violating these rules and the forum rules will receive a warning, a possible suspension of posting privileges or a ban from the site:

 

 

 

[Eligius]

1 hour ago, greenchair said:

It always amuses me when people that were instrumental in facilitating this coup to fruition, are now realising what they have done and paying a very high price. 

 

I always said, better the devil you know. 

Som nam na. 

'It serves you right' (som nam na) indeed. As you sow, so shall you reap. And if you keep on sowing the same old seed of authoritarianism, you will get the same nasty-tasting crop ...

 

Edited May 26, 2018 by Eligius

[Lupatria]

On 5/26/2018 at 7:33 AM, rooster59 said:

On World Press Freedom Day

Here better known as yard exercise in detention.

[sangtip2]

The girl in the blue dress looks good