Political Conflict Exposes ‘Cracks’ in Media Freedom

[Lite Beer]

Political Conflict Exposes ‘Cracks’ in Media Freedom

By Khaosod Eng.

BANGKOK — Thailand’s protracted political crisis has shined a spotlight on the capacity and credibility of the country’s media, experts say.

“Elections have provided a space in which we can actually look at the media for what it is,” Gayathry Venkiteswaran, Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Press Alliance, said in a panel discussion on press freedom hosted by Thailand’s Foreign Correspondent Club in a run-up to World Press Freedom Day on 3 May.

According to Ms. Venkiteswaran, one of the most concerning trends exposed by Thailand’s recent turmoil is the alarming number of politically-fueled threats directed at media outlets.

“People should be debating, people should be asking questions, but they should not be threatening either the journalists or the messengers,” said Ms. Venkiteswaran.

Since the most recent iteration of the country’s decade-long political struggle—broadly waged between pro and anti-Thaksin Thais—ignited at the end of last year, there have been a number violent attacks on news organizations and journalists.

In November, anti-government protesters harassed staff from two government-owned TV stations and physically attacked a German journalist at a rally organized by the People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD).

Anti-government PCAD protesters also stormed six television stations in December, demanding a speech by the group’s leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, be televised that night.

Most recently, a petrol bomb was thrown into the yard of an anti-government television show host in January, two grenades were thrown at a Thai PBS television station in February, a Redshirt radio station in Tak province was riddled by bullets in March, and an M79 grenade was launched at the office of the Thai-language newspaper, Daily News, several weeks ago.

As a result, former editor of the Nation Media Group Kavi Chongkittavorn said that Thailand’s borders with Malaysia and Myanmar are no longer the country’s most combustible regions.

“Now, the conflict zone lives in the heart of Bangkok,” said Mr. Kavi.

Freedom of the press in Thailand is currently the worst its been in the past decade, according to Freedom House's 2014 report on press freedom around the world. Thailand, which the US-based think-tank designates as "not free," is two points less free than last year, now holding a score of 64 (100 is the worst rating).

The report attributes the erosion of media freedom in Thailand “to increased physical harassment and attacks on journalists and media outlets by political activists, often in the context of political unrest and demonstrations.”

Not only have there been a heightened number of threats and attacks over the past six months, but authorities have also largely failed to find and arrest those responsible for the violence.

“Both sides, the Democrat Party and Pheu Thai, have failed in terms of impunity,” said Ms. Venkiteswaran. “There will be accumulated cases until we address that problem.”

Freedom House’s 2014 report also cites “partisanship and biased content at a number of media outlets” as a reason for the decline in Thailand’s press freedom, which may explain why news organisations in Thailand are a frequent target of politically-motivated attacks.

BBC’s Jonathan Head said he has seen Thai media has become increasingly polarized.

“People are listening to the media they like, so there is concentration of extreme views, and [they] never hear the other side,” said Mr. Head.

According to Mr. Kavi, former editor of the Nation Media Group, Thai media is more involved in politics than ever before.

“Media has become the number one player in Thai political scene today,” said Mr. Kavi. “It used to be the monarchy, the army, the bureaucrats, politicians … this time the media is out in front.”

But Mr. Kavi said he worries that journalists in Thailand focus too heavily on the daily comments of prominent politicians, resulting in a 'he-said-she-said' style of reporting that he said lacks sufficient context and analysis of the broader conflict.

“[Reporters] will follow the speaker and focus on what they want to say, and what they have said, and then get the worst comment of the day,” said Mr. Kavi. “They will continue day in day out, without thinking about … whether [their reports] help fuel the political fire at the moment or help to find a solution.”

Journalists' ability to report freely in Thailand also remains hampered by a number of legal statutes.

Thailand’s lese majeste law, which outlaws any criticism of the monarchy—however oblique—can result in up to 15 years in prison per offense. Critics of the law say it is widely abused, particularly in times of political conflict.

The 2007 Computer Crimes Act has also been harshly criticized by advocacy groups like Reporters Without Borders and the Thai Journalists Association.

The legislation allows the government to arrest reporters for political reasons, as is currently the case with two journalists from Phuketwan news who are facing charges under the law for allegedly defaming the Royal Thai Navy by publishing an except from a Reuters report that alleged the navy’s involvement in the trafficking of Rohingya.

“Bringing charges under the controversial Computers Crimes Act in a defamation case is indicative of the critical state of freedom of information in Thailand and amounts to an attempt to gag the media,” said a Reporters Without Borders press release in December.

Ms. Venkiteswaran said the Southeast Asia Press Alliance is working on campaign to amend the Computer Crimes Act, and is monitoring the case of the two journalists from Phuketwan.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1399090296&section=11&typecate=06

-- Khaosod English 2014-05-03

[WoopyDoo]

The most ironic thing I see here, is that this is a Khaosod report.

Who actually take 'Media Freedom' to a whole new level by false reporting, making up news items completely and also being well and truly in the pocket of the government.

Talk about 'taking the piss'....

Edited May 3, 2014 by WoopyDoo

[michaelscottfan]

The most ironic thing I see here, is that this is a Khaosod report.

Who actually take 'Media Freedom' to a whole new level by false reporting, making up news items completely and also being well and truly in the pocket of the government.

Talk about 'taking the piss'....

And yet they're still more credible than The Nation.

[Tatsujin]

Well, although I don't generally agree with much of what Khaosod say (lie), perhaps they could advocate and push for some "reforms" to make press freedom actually a reality.

[DirtFarmer]

I would suggest canyons not a crack ....hopefully one day soon the controversial and restrictive laws will be abolished and people will be able to discuss things in a more adult way... though gagging the press and free discussion certainly keeps people chained to the stone age quite well, and allows people to ignore truth, partially out of fear of repercussion and partly because of habit, that custom of untouchable/unspeakable topics... hope Ms. Gayathry Venkiteswaran can keep this topic on the "front page". The truth is out there.

Edited May 3, 2014 by DirtFarmer

[moonao]

BBC’s Jonathan Head said he has seen Thai media has become increasingly polarized.

“People are listening to the media they like, so there is concentration of extreme views, and [they] never hear the other side,” said Mr. Head.

yellow shirt supporters, thaksin haters, suthep lovers, The Nation newspaper readers, some TVF members, take note.

[Thaddeus]

BBC’s Jonathan Head said he has seen Thai media has become increasingly polarized.

“People are listening to the media they like, so there is concentration of extreme views, and [they] never hear the other side,” said Mr. Head.

yellow shirt supporters, thaksin haters, suthep lovers, The Nation newspaper readers, some TVF members, take note.

If you engaged your brain once in a while, you may discover that most, if not all, of the TV non-Reds do read and listen to both sides, and not just the first line, and process the information contained therein.

If there are any gaps in the information, they use easily accessible resources in an effort to fill those gaps and try to get the bigger picture.

Red lovers just get a script that starts with "Now say after me"

[mikemac]

The most ironic thing I see here, is that this is a Khaosod report.

Who actually take 'Media Freedom' to a whole new level by false reporting, making up news items completely and also being well and truly in the pocket of the government.

Talk about 'taking the piss'....

And yet they're still more credible than The Nation.

Still more credible than the Nation !!! Khaosod is not fit to nail to the dunny door.

[moonao]

BBC’s Jonathan Head said he has seen Thai media has become increasingly polarized.

“People are listening to the media they like, so there is concentration of extreme views, and [they] never hear the other side,” said Mr. Head.

yellow shirt supporters, thaksin haters, suthep lovers, The Nation newspaper readers, some TVF members, take note.

If you engaged your brain once in a while, you may discover that most, if not all, of the TV non-Reds do read and listen to both sides, and not just the first line, and process the information contained therein.

If there are any gaps in the information, they use easily accessible resources in an effort to fill those gaps and try to get the bigger picture.

Red lovers just get a script that starts with "Now say after me"

I appreciate your input but taking into account that The Nation is well known for pumping out anti-thaksin propaganda to its niche expat market, and watching the propaganda materialize on TVF via its readership as a result (which I have noted is in steady decline, thankfully) forgive me if I think BBC’s Jonathan Head assessment is spot on.

[ginjag]

For reasons unknown to me and I have tried to find out, Why has the English spoken news been deleted from IN channel ??? Is now IN channel still operating ??

Has any poster information on this, was it political (because it used to comment on government failures as well as any thing positive) or did the Channel fade out because of money problems, all was in English and a good way for Thai to learn better English.

[mikemac]

BBC’s Jonathan Head said he has seen Thai media has become increasingly polarized.

“People are listening to the media they like, so there is concentration of extreme views, and [they] never hear the other side,” said Mr. Head.

yellow shirt supporters, thaksin haters, suthep lovers, The Nation newspaper readers, some TVF members, take note.

If you engaged your brain once in a while, you may discover that most, if not all, of the TV non-Reds do read and listen to both sides, and not just the first line, and process the information contained therein.

If there are any gaps in the information, they use easily accessible resources in an effort to fill those gaps and try to get the bigger picture.

Red lovers just get a script that starts with "Now say after me"

If he had anything to "engage" at all he would not be trolling this forum.

[JoeThePoster]

Political Conflict Exposes ‘Cracks’ in Media Freedom

Wearing belts or suspenders would prevent that to some extent.

[ginjag]

BBC’s Jonathan Head said he has seen Thai media has become increasingly polarized.

“People are listening to the media they like, so there is concentration of extreme views, and [they] never hear the other side,” said Mr. Head.

yellow shirt supporters, thaksin haters, suthep lovers, The Nation newspaper readers, some TVF members, take note.

If you engaged your brain once in a while, you may discover that most, if not all, of the TV non-Reds do read and listen to both sides, and not just the first line, and process the information contained therein.

If there are any gaps in the information, they use easily accessible resources in an effort to fill those gaps and try to get the bigger picture.

Red lovers just get a script that starts with "Now say after me"

I appreciate your input but taking into account that The Nation is well known for pumping out anti-thaksin propaganda to its niche expat market, and watching the propaganda materialize on TVF via its readership as a result (which I have noted is in steady decline, thankfully) forgive me if I think BBC’s Jonathan Head assessment is spot on.

One day you will understand not everyone loves the man -far from it- Pumping out truth should not hurt anyone. Unless like you and your wind up denial brigade.

It is all about right and wrong, democratic RUN governments are ok. NOT democratically elected ones--that abuse their power,there is a difference as we are seeing now.

[Thaddeus]

I appreciate your input

Somehow, I seriously doubt that.

The Nation is well known for pumping out anti-thaksin propaganda

The difference between fact and propaganda is easily is discovered by finding out what is true and what is lies.

forgive me if I think BBC’s Jonathan Head assessment is spot on.

Johnatan Head's assessments are usually about as well balanced as an elephant standing on a beach-ball. spinning dinner plates on pool cues.

[WoopyDoo]

The most ironic thing I see here, is that this is a Khaosod report.

Who actually take 'Media Freedom' to a whole new level by false reporting, making up news items completely and also being well and truly in the pocket of the government.

Talk about 'taking the piss'....

And yet they're still more credible than The Nation.

That is the funniest thing I have read this week.

A biased opinion coming from a red supporter and 3 likes from TVF's most rancid red necks... hehehe

Funny how The Nation albeit have their political leaning (and it's not yours) Seem to report pretty consistently in line with almost all the mainstream media. Unlike Khaosod who print so called 'news' releases in full support of 'your side' that no other media ever seems to bother printing or reporting even though some of their reports are quite explosively revealing and of a nature that no other media would be able to resist reporting...... yet they don't, and this has ocurred about a dozen times in the past few months.

Then we never ever hear of any of these stories again.... it's like they never happened at all..... because they didn't.

You have the gall to come on here and say that The Nation is worse than they are?????

You are a complete joker that only a red supporter can identify with because they all live in their own little wibbly wobbly worlds of lies, embellishments and deceit.... It is played out on these forums every day for all to see..... just like YOUR dumb post.

Get a life and stop trying to fool intelligent people.

Edited to add.

Would you be willing to get into a court room with The Nation???....... I certainly would be willing to meet Khaosod in a court room.... But like everyone from their side of the political track.... they would not show up, Much the same as Jattuporn, Nattawut and Yingluck.... Oh I almost forgot Thaksin too.

Edited May 3, 2014 by WoopyDoo

[Scamper]

“ [Reporters] will follow the speaker and focus on what they want to say, and what they have said, and then get the worst comment of the day,” said Mr. Kavi. “They will continue day in day out, without thinking about … whether [their reports] help fuel the political fire at the moment or help to find a solution. ”

That's what Khaosod does ! And they do it very knowingly, picking the wildest Pheu Thai people to interview, print the wildest accusations, wrap it up, put a ribbon around it and call it a news story. For those who are quoting Jonathan Head but comically ignoring half of what he said ought to be reminded he is talking about both sides of the debate, not just one. But the problem with the reporting has actually more to do what with Mr. Kavi says in the quote above than Mr. Head, because polarization of the media is common in every Western county - most notably in outlets like Fox News as opposed to say, MSNBC. There is bias everywhere. What we can do without are tactics like those employed by Khaosod - in evidence even here of all places - by citing senseless acts - that Khaosod would have us believe only occur on one side. And Khoasod still manages to use a personal thesaurus that inflames anything they feel needs inflaming. " Enter " becomes " storm ", for example. But the worst journalistic no-no of all - refusing to interview anyone from the other side of the debate. These tactics impose the narrative of the " journalists ". Khaosod doesn't achieve balance because they're incompetent. They don't achieve balance because they don't want to.

Edited May 3, 2014 by Scamper

[noksidam]

The most ironic thing I see here, is that this is a Khaosod report.

Who actually take 'Media Freedom' to a whole new level by false reporting, making up news items completely and also being well and truly in the pocket of the government.

Talk about 'taking the piss'....

And yet they're still more credible than The Nation.

That is the funniest thing I have read this week.

A biased opinion coming from a red supporter and 3 likes from TVF's most rancid red necks... hehehe

Funny how The Nation albeit have their political leaning (and it's not yours) Seem to report pretty consistently in line with almost all the mainstream media. Unlike Khaosod who print so called 'news' releases in full support of 'your side' that no other media ever seems to bother printing or reporting even though some of their reports are quite explosively revealing and of a nature that no other media would be able to resist reporting...... yet they don't, and this has ocurred about a dozen times in the past few months.

Then we never ever hear of any of these stories again.... it's like they never happened at all..... because they didn't.

You have the gall to come on here and say that The Nation is worse than they are?????

You are a complete joker that only a red supporter can identify with because they all live in their own little wibbly wobbly worlds of lies, embellishments and deceit.... It is played out on these forums every day for all to see..... just like YOUR dumb post.

Get a life and stop trying to fool intelligent people.

Edited to add.

Would you be willing to get into a court room with The Nation???....... I certainly would be willing to meet Khaosod in a court room.... But like everyone from their side of the political track.... they would not show up, Much the same as Jattuporn, Nattawut and Yingluck.... Oh I almost forgot Thaksin too.

Edited May 3, 2014 by noksidam

[Skywalker69]

The most ironic thing I see here, is that this is a Khaosod report.

Who actually take 'Media Freedom' to a whole new level by false reporting, making up news items completely and also being well and truly in the pocket of the government.

Talk about 'taking the piss'....

And yet they're still more credible than The Nation.

If you are a red buffalo supporter, it is.

[DirtFarmer]

“ [Reporters] will follow the speaker and focus on what they want to say, and what they have said, and then get the worst comment of the day,” said Mr. Kavi. “They will continue day in day out, without thinking about … whether [their reports] help fuel the political fire at the moment or help to find a solution. ”

That's what Khaosod does ! And they do it very knowingly, picking the wildest Pheu Thai people to interview, print the wildest accusations, wrap it up, put a ribbon around it and call it a news story. For those who are quoting Jonathan Head but comically ignoring half of what he said ought to be reminded he is talking about both sides of the debate, not just one. But the problem with the reporting has actually more to do what with Mr. Kavi says in the quote above than Mr. Head, because polarization of the media is common in every Western county - most notably in outlets like Fox News as opposed to say, MSNBC. There is bias everywhere. What we can do without are tactics like those employed by Khaosod - in evidence even here of all places - by citing senseless acts - that Khaosod would have us believe only occur on one side. And Khoasod still manages to use a personal thesaurus that inflames anything they feel needs inflaming. " Enter " becomes " storm ", for example. But the worst journalistic no-no of all - refusing to interview anyone from the other side of the debate. These tactics impose the narrative of the " journalists ". Khaosod doesn't achieve balance because they're incompetent. They don't achieve balance because they don't want to.

While I appreciate and duely register your dislike for Khaosod... they are only one fish... one source... among many many others.. and anyone with a modicom of balance would consider more than one source before drawing conclusions based on any single story or source...however I am not sure that that is the focus of the piece or at the very least it is . a report on the various violent acts perpetrated by different and opposing factions on any and all sides in this mess. Violence in any form should not be a part of suppression of truths nor refelect disagreements with any particular point of view taken. Truth to some is not truth to others..but violence of any kind should not be tolerated or condoned.... just as importantly, slamming a messenger for discussing restrictions and acts perpetrated because of opposing views is in fact a complete defelction from the topic..but is your prerogative... and your right to do so.. regardless of the source be it Khaosod or the New York Times or whomever is your most trusted and ( in your view) most reliable source that you prefer over all others.

In my opinion the bigger story here is the second part of this topic in the OP ...lest we get sidetracked..

_________________________

"Journalists' ability to report freely in Thailand also remains hampered by a number of legal statutes.

Thailand’s lese majeste law, which outlaws any criticism of the monarchy—however oblique—can result in up to 15 years in prison per offense. Critics of the law say it is widely abused, particularly in times of political conflict.

The 2007 Computer Crimes Act has also been harshly criticized by advocacy groups like Reporters Without Borders and the Thai Journalists Association.

The legislation allows the government to arrest reporters for political reasons, as is currently the case with two journalists from Phuketwan news who are facing charges under the law for allegedly defaming the Royal Thai Navy by publishing an except from a Reuters report that alleged the navy’s involvement in the trafficking of Rohingya.

“Bringing charges under the controversial Computers Crimes Act in a defamation case is indicative of the critical state of freedom of information in Thailand and amounts to an attempt to gag the media,” said a Reporters Without Borders press release in December.

Ms. Venkiteswaran said the Southeast Asia Press Alliance is working on campaign to amend the Computer Crimes Act, and is monitoring the case of the two journalists from Phuketwan."

______________________________

In my opinion that is the bigger story here...

Edited May 3, 2014 by DirtFarmer

[rreddin]

BBC’s Jonathan Head said he has seen Thai media has become increasingly polarized.

“People are listening to the media they like, so there is concentration of extreme views, and [they] never hear the other side,” said Mr. Head.

yellow shirt supporters, thaksin haters, suthep lovers, The Nation newspaper readers, some TVF members, take note.

If you engaged your brain once in a while, you may discover that most, if not all, of the TV non-Reds do read and listen to both sides, and not just the first line, and process the information contained therein.

If there are any gaps in the information, they use easily accessible resources in an effort to fill those gaps and try to get the bigger picture.

Red lovers just get a script that starts with "Now say after me"

You were doing so well untill you said: Red lovers just get a script that starts with "Now say after me". It just goes to show even you are reading from a script and not using your brain.

[khunken]

“ [Reporters] will follow the speaker and focus on what they want to say, and what they have said, and then get the worst comment of the day,” said Mr. Kavi. “They will continue day in day out, without thinking about … whether [their reports] help fuel the political fire at the moment or help to find a solution. ”

That's what Khaosod does ! And they do it very knowingly, picking the wildest Pheu Thai people to interview, print the wildest accusations, wrap it up, put a ribbon around it and call it a news story. For those who are quoting Jonathan Head but comically ignoring half of what he said ought to be reminded he is talking about both sides of the debate, not just one. But the problem with the reporting has actually more to do what with Mr. Kavi says in the quote above than Mr. Head, because polarization of the media is common in every Western county - most notably in outlets like Fox News as opposed to say, MSNBC. There is bias everywhere. What we can do without are tactics like those employed by Khaosod - in evidence even here of all places - by citing senseless acts - that Khaosod would have us believe only occur on one side. And Khoasod still manages to use a personal thesaurus that inflames anything they feel needs inflaming. " Enter " becomes " storm ", for example. But the worst journalistic no-no of all - refusing to interview anyone from the other side of the debate. These tactics impose the narrative of the " journalists ". Khaosod doesn't achieve balance because they're incompetent. They don't achieve balance because they don't want to.

While I appreciate and duely register your dislike for Khaosod... they are only one fish... one source... among many many others.. and anyone with a modicom of balance would consider more than one source before drawing conclusions based on any single story or source...however I am not sure that that is the focus of the piece or at the very least it is . a report on the various violent acts perpetrated by different and opposing factions on any and all sides in this mess. Violence in any form should not be a part of suppression of truths nor refelect disagreements with any particular point of view taken. Truth to some is not truth to others..but violence of any kind should not be tolerated or condoned.... just as importantly, slamming a messenger for discussing restrictions and acts perpetrated because of opposing views is in fact a complete defelction from the topic..but is your prerogative... and your right to do so.. regardless of the source be it Khaosod or the New York Times or whomever is your most trusted and ( in your view) most reliable source that you prefer over all others.

In my opinion the bigger story here is the second part of this topic in the OP ...lest we get sidetracked..

_________________________

"Journalists' ability to report freely in Thailand also remains hampered by a number of legal statutes.

Thailand’s lese majeste law, which outlaws any criticism of the monarchy—however oblique—can result in up to 15 years in prison per offense. Critics of the law say it is widely abused, particularly in times of political conflict.

The 2007 Computer Crimes Act has also been harshly criticized by advocacy groups like Reporters Without Borders and the Thai Journalists Association.

The legislation allows the government to arrest reporters for political reasons, as is currently the case with two journalists from Phuketwan news who are facing charges under the law for allegedly defaming the Royal Thai Navy by publishing an except from a Reuters report that alleged the navy’s involvement in the trafficking of Rohingya.

“Bringing charges under the controversial Computers Crimes Act in a defamation case is indicative of the critical state of freedom of information in Thailand and amounts to an attempt to gag the media,” said a Reporters Without Borders press release in December.

Ms. Venkiteswaran said the Southeast Asia Press Alliance is working on campaign to amend the Computer Crimes Act, and is monitoring the case of the two journalists from Phuketwan."

______________________________

In my opinion that is the bigger story here...

Well blow me down with a feather, I actually agree with you here.

The only other point I'd make is why they had to introduce Mr (dick) head into the piece.

[Thai at Heart]

BBCs Jonathan Head said he has seen Thai media has become increasingly polarized.

People are listening to the media they like, so there is concentration of extreme views, and [they] never hear the other side, said Mr. Head.

yellow shirt supporters, thaksin haters, suthep lovers, The Nation newspaper readers, some TVF members, take note.

If you engaged your brain once in a while, you may discover that most, if not all, of the TV non-Reds do read and listen to both sides, and not just the first line, and process the information contained therein.

If there are any gaps in the information, they use easily accessible resources in an effort to fill those gaps and try to get the bigger picture.

Red lovers just get a script that starts with "Now say after me"

On the basis that the Nations politics are there for all to see, and the Nation is the major source for Thai visa, I would suggest otherwise

I just take the Nation as one tiny part of the probable truth.

There is the figment of a free press in Thailand. All the rest is talk and bluster. The journalists don't understand what their job is. They haven't found ONE single whistleblower in a country of 65mn to catalogue any corruption in the rice scheme.

NOT ONE.

Edited May 3, 2014 by Thai at Heart

[khunken]

BBCs Jonathan Head said he has seen Thai media has become increasingly polarized.

People are listening to the media they like, so there is concentration of extreme views, and [they] never hear the other side, said Mr. Head.

yellow shirt supporters, thaksin haters, suthep lovers, The Nation newspaper readers, some TVF members, take note.

If you engaged your brain once in a while, you may discover that most, if not all, of the TV non-Reds do read and listen to both sides, and not just the first line, and process the information contained therein.

If there are any gaps in the information, they use easily accessible resources in an effort to fill those gaps and try to get the bigger picture.

Red lovers just get a script that starts with "Now say after me"

On the basis that the Nations politics are there for all to see, and the Nation is the major source for Thai visa, I would suggest otherwise

I just take the Nation as one tiny part of the probable truth.

There is the figment of a free press in Thailand. All the rest is talk and bluster. The journalists don't understand what their job is. They haven't found ONE single whistleblower in a country of 65mn to catalogue any corruption in the rice scheme.

NOT ONE.

Yes they did. Her name is Supa Piyajitti who was the deputy finance secretary until attacked by PT.

She has also been nominated to join the NACC (if she lives that long) and her insider knowledge is being used in the current case against Yingluck.

I tend to agree with you that the Nation can never be taken as 'gospel truth', just as neither can the Bangkok Post or Khao San. It pays to be at least a bit sceptical of any news outlet here, similarly with international news outlets.

[Thai at Heart]

BBCs Jonathan Head said he has seen Thai media has become increasingly polarized.

People are listening to the media they like, so there is concentration of extreme views, and [they] never hear the other side, said Mr. Head.

yellow shirt supporters, thaksin haters, suthep lovers, The Nation newspaper readers, some TVF members, take note.

If you engaged your brain once in a while, you may discover that most, if not all, of the TV non-Reds do read and listen to both sides, and not just the first line, and process the information contained therein.

If there are any gaps in the information, they use easily accessible resources in an effort to fill those gaps and try to get the bigger picture.

Red lovers just get a script that starts with "Now say after me"

On the basis that the Nations politics are there for all to see, and the Nation is the major source for Thai visa, I would suggest otherwise

I just take the Nation as one tiny part of the probable truth.

There is the figment of a free press in Thailand. All the rest is talk and bluster. The journalists don't understand what their job is. They haven't found ONE single whistleblower in a country of 65mn to catalogue any corruption in the rice scheme.

NOT ONE.

Yes they did. Her name is Supa Piyajitti who was the deputy finance secretary until attacked by PT.

She has also been nominated to join the NACC (if she lives that long) and her insider knowledge is being used in the current case against Yingluck.

I tend to agree with you that the Nation can never be taken as 'gospel truth', just as neither can the Bangkok Post or Khao San. It pays to be at least a bit sceptical of any news outlet here, similarly with international news outlets.

They didn't find her, she found them. She held a press conference and announced it to the world.

Hardly Watergate is it.

[wandasloan]

Ms. Venkiteswaran said the Southeast Asia Press Alliance is working on campaign to amend the Computer Crimes Act, and is monitoring the case of the two journalists from Phuketwan."

She is Malaysian, so good luck with her campaign to change a Thai law that was passed by the military and backed by the Democrats and Pheu Thai. If she were Thai, I might want to know more, but I now know all I need.

What does "monitoring the case" entail? And why is it allegedly important that she does this, along with many, many others, some of whom are in Thailand and in a position to have effect?

I think I'd like to have her job. Sounds easier than mine. For sure, she gets more respect from Thai Visa.

.

[Mrgk]

If you engaged your brain once in a while, you may discover that most, if not all, of the TV non-Reds do read and listen to both sides, and not just the first line, and process the information contained therein.

If there are any gaps in the information, they use easily accessible resources in an effort to fill those gaps and try to get the bigger picture.

Red lovers just get a script that starts with "Now say after me"

"Red lovers" on TV in general rely on international media, which coincidentally is almost uniformly "red" by the TV yellow farang definition, regardless of political leanings. Funny that.

[surangw]

could be the "media" in thailand is afraid of being taken to court for making someone with "influence " lose face.

or on a more base level, get bombed.

[Thaddeus]

If you engaged your brain once in a while, you may discover that most, if not all, of the TV non-Reds do read and listen to both sides, and not just the first line, and process the information contained therein.

If there are any gaps in the information, they use easily accessible resources in an effort to fill those gaps and try to get the bigger picture.

Red lovers just get a script that starts with "Now say after me"

"Red lovers" on TV in general rely on international media,

yeah, Ok.

[noitom]

Thai Press = Yellow Journalism

[Mudcrab]

If you engaged your brain once in a while, you may discover that most, if not all, of the TV non-Reds do read and listen to both sides, and not just the first line, and process the information contained therein.

If there are any gaps in the information, they use easily accessible resources in an effort to fill those gaps and try to get the bigger picture.

Red lovers just get a script that starts with "Now say after me"

"Red lovers" on TV in general rely on international media, which coincidentally is almost uniformly "red" by the TV yellow farang definition, regardless of political leanings. Funny that.

Thailand barely registers on international media