By Nad Bunnag, Kitipat Chuensukjit and Jeerapa Boonyatus, Thai PBS World

 

Press freedom remains a challenge in Thailand, especially when it comes to political issues. According to the 2022 World Press Freedom Index, by Reporters Without Borders, Thailand’s press is considered to be in a “difficult” situation, being ranked 115 out of 180 countries.

 

Despite improving its ranking from the year before, the report says that the country’s media landscape is “highly polarised”, especially with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s vision of how the media should play a “major role” in “supporting the government’s affairs”.

 

It also mentioned that some lower profile media, which try to provide an alternative point of view, often end up being targeted by authorities, unlike mainstream media, which “toe the government line”.

 

With the May 14th general election around the corner, many Thai journalists are hoping for more press freedom in reporting political issues while demanding that authorities remain transparent with the election process, which will affect the direction of Thailand’s future.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-medias-hopes-for-positive-change-after-general-election/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-04-11

 

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Wishful thinking at best!

Indeed freedom of speech, freedom of press instead the controlling army based Government to keep things out of the news and decide which what and how they can tell and publish... Real democracy is needed

My hope from a new government is a drastic overhaul of the Immigration Department and its dog's breakfast of rules and requirements, and of the Police Department to get the foot-soldiers off their bums and out actually doing something about controlling the traffic instead of blaming other factors for Thailand's disgraceful road safety record.

 

8 minutes ago, Brian Hull said:

My hope from a new government is a drastic overhaul of the Immigration Department and its dog's breakfast of rules and requirements, and of the Police Department to get the foot-soldiers off their bums and out actually doing something about controlling the traffic instead of blaming other factors for Thailand's disgraceful road safety record.

 

Not in your lifetime.

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Despite improving its ranking from the year before, the report says that the country’s media landscape is “highly polarised”, especially with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s vision of how the media should play a “major role” in “supporting the government’s affairs”.

A self imposed PM after a military coup. 

His vision is somewhat tunneled.