CDC acknowledges importance of right to information

[Lite Beer]

CDC acknowledges importance of right to information

BANGKOK, 3 July 2015 (NNT) - The Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) has acknowledged the importance of the public’s right to information.

CDC Chairman Borwonsak Uwannohas yesterday delivered a speech on the future of Thailand’s media industry after the new constitution takes effect. He said the media played a key role in exercising the rights to free speech in the country, as it is the main body which informed the public on issues of national interest.

According to him, the CDC has therefore placed great importance on ensuring citizen’s right to information while including the promotion of free and responsible press in its reform agendas in the new constitution.

Mr Borwonsak also said the constitution must ensure that the press be free from state and from foreign shareholders, and must maintain the rights to scrutinize government policies.

He noted that the rise in the use of social media platform has made the distribution of information freer, but not necessarily more responsible, as information can be easily be distorted in the free domain of the internet.

-- NNT 2015-07-03

[Manbing]

'Borwonsak states constitution to ensure the press should be free from foreign shareholders'

Does this include Mr T and Shins?

On one hand, its about time Thailand educated its populace with a press that represents world views, not views of the world from the perspective of purely Thai commercial interests. So its a no to Pure Thai from me then.

I think its the lack of information which has resulted in the current situation.

On the other hand, another haven for Rupert Murdoch is not an appropriate response either. God this is one of the few places in the world we aren't cursed with his agenda. Bl00dy Americans.

[NongKhaiKid]

The right to information doesn't mean that it will actually be made available or censored before it does.

[Srikcir]

The Draft 2015 Constitution under Article 48 presents some interesting language (translated to english) related to information:

Article 48 - The prevention of mass media from printing news or expressing opinion, wholly or partly, or interference in any manner whatsoever in deprivation of the liberty under this section, shall not be imposed by virtue of law specifically enacted for the purpose of maintaining the security of State, protecting the rights, liberties, dignity, reputation, private data, family or privacy rights of other persons, maintaining public order or good morals or preventing or halting the deterioration of mental or health of the public.

Thus far, the Junta has declared any information or opinion that impunes the Junta's or its government's reputation will be held in violation of the law. Article 48 is written so broadly as to actually allow access to information to be very restrictive and at cross-purpose to its purpose for the right to information.

[FangFerang]

"Mr Borwonsak also said the constitution must ensure that the press be free from state and from foreign shareholders"

Um, that's everyone -- or should the shadow government own everything?