News Groups Call For Media Reform, Review Of Thai Computer Law

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News groups call for media reform, review of computer law

By Khanittha Thapphajorn,

Jeerapong Prasertpolkrang

The Nation

Marking World Press Freedom Day yesterday, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva agreed with media organisations that the controversial computer crime legislation needed revision.

Thai media, meanwhile, said it was committed to place more stress on accountability to match the freedom it enjoys.

Representatives from the Thai Journalists Association and the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association gave souvenirs on the day to the premier. At the same time, they submitted requests for the government to sincerely take serious action for media reform, especially among media owned by government agencies. They said the government should avoid interference in the media.

The media associations called on the government to stop making laws that restrict people's freedom of expression, including an amendment to the computer crime laws which deserved a proper public hearing and should have been widely discussed.

TJA chairman Chavarong Limpattamapanee said Abhisit had halted the legislation process for the computer crime act pending more rounded opinion from all related parties, including the Internet service providers and Web hosting service providers.

Media organisations also called on media professionals to show responsibility by avoiding verbal violence or provocation. They said also the media must be free from outside influence in its work.

Media associations encouraged the audience to open its mind to various media and use its judgement while receiving information, being wary of the media as a political tool. Also on-line media should be used responsibly, the statement said.

In a survey yesterday, the Dusit Poll revealed that more than 60 per cent of 1,378 respondents see Thai media as enjoying much freedom, but having a low level of accountability. It should improve its fairness, objectivity and credibility while providing comprehensive reports on all issues and respecting the rights of people in the news.

The respondents said the present media was very strong for the timeliness of its reports and in representing people while scrutinising issues.

-- The Nation 2011-05-04

[homeslice]

Of all the stories at the helm of Thai Visa in the past, today, and in the future, this one is the most important, and I am not surprised that it has not garnered more attention.

There is a concerted effort to control the media in most countries currently, because the media, controlled by whatever means, enjoy a political currency by the controller; if it is not reported, it did not happen.

Noam Chomsky's Manufacturing Consent offers a fuller version for your consideration.