Calls for media law to allow more participation
WASAMON AUDJARINT
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- REPRESENTATIVES of media organisations met with some members of the National Reform Council yesterday in an attempt to ensure that the new press reform law would be more participatory, and truly improve media professionalism.

"Although, some points still need to be further worked upon, we have a shared interest in principles on the code of conduct," said Wasan Phaileeklee, vice chairman of NRC's committee on mass media and IT reform.

Wasan said points jointly discussed yesterday, including an agreement to improve media professionalism and introducing "supporting standards" to the industry, would be proposed to the committee on Monday.

Earlier in the day, media groups said they want greater participation in the drafting of a new press reform law, saying that the law needs to be revised as much of it can regarded as opening the door to state interference.

Senior media representatives yesterday (Friday) brainstormed on an earlier controversial report on media reform and a draft law on the protection of press freedom. The meeting was held at the Thai Journalists Association's office.

Confederation of Thai Journalists president Thepchai Yong agreed with the principles of the code of conduct currently adopted in the draft law, but pointed out that the legislation itself was somewhat problematic and it was still unclear how the government would enable media associations to punish misbehaving media.

"In order to do this, we have to obtain authority from the state. Could that be considered state interference?" Thepchai asked.

Also, the National Reform Council (NRC) members' claim that the media group had no comments on the draft law left the representatives at a loss.

"How would they know what we are saying when they have never invited us, as a whole, to participate from the start?" Pattara Kampitak, president of the National Press Council of Thailand, asked. He said the draft law looked more like power seizure instead of reform as it allows the state authority to play a major role in conducting media activities.

Pattara offered possible alternatives to the draft, saying that a moderating agency comprised of an operator and regulators should be in charge of media behaviour.

"We're calling for a revision to the draft law because this is not only about media affairs, but also about social issues, including how people's right to access data and their freedom of expression would be affected should the law come into effect," Thepchai added.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Calls-for-media-law-to-allow-more-participation-30265199.html

-- The Nation 2015-07-25

"the draft law looked more like power seizure"

Why is anyone surprised when the draft laws are being written by people who were appointed by a Junta that seized power and wields absolute power over all government functions?

Maybe the Regime should just take over all media? Or, what little media they don't already own/control/censor.