Fighting For Press Freedom

[Jai Dee]

MASS MEDIA

The shackles still remain

The year 2006 was a controversial and trying year for the Thai mass media, which had to cope with not just threats from outside but questions from within.

Fighting for press freedom

Continuing political intervention in the media saw Thailand's press-freedom ranking drop from 107th out of 168 countries in 2005 to 122nd place on the Reporters Without Borders' Worldwide Press Freedom Index. Ironically, the media, especially television and the Internet, continued to be suppressed after the September 19 coup.

Earlier this year, Thai media organisations stood together to fight against all forms of press intimidation. On April 11, all daily publications published a joint editorial entitled "Free media must become a reality".

Part of the joint editorial read: "We, the members of the Kingdom's free press, have taken it upon ourselves to vigorously defend press freedom to the best of our ability, to carry out our duties based on strict adherence to professional ethics, to open ourselves to public scrutiny and the due process of law as law-abiding citizens. But we will never be cowed by threats of violence and intimidation, nor any other form of illegal interference."

Despite the media's united front, the state of Thai press freedom worsened as the year ended. The Reporters Without Borders index, however, did not take into account press freedom under the military regime, as it was based solely on events between September 1, 2005, and September 1, 2006 [see box: Media intimidation after the coup].

Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was accused of using his political and economic power to intervene in the media. Thaksin was accused of intimidating the media through various means, including withdrawal of state or business advertisements, pressuring major shareholders and hostile takeover bids.

Intimidation of the media also came from the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and Thaksin's supporters.

On February 4 and 11, anti-Thaksin protesters attacked an iTV crew whom they accused of serving Thaksin through biased reports about the protests. On March 30, several thousand Thaksin supporters, calling themselves the "Caravan of the Poor", surrounded the headquarters of the Nation Multimedia Group, which owns The Nation, and forced its sister publication Kom Chad Luek to temporarily close down. The protesters were allegedly dissatisfied by a report in Kom Chad Luek which they said contained an inappropriate reference to His Majesty the King.

Freedom - but not for 'fake' media

In September, the new media outlets supporting Thaksin were denounced by mainstream media associations as "fake" media.

On September 4, the Press Council of Thailand, the Thai Journalists Association and the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association issued a joint statement attacking some media outlets, saying they were acting as a mouthpiece for the powers-that-be.

The associations branded thereporter.com, a news website, as a "fake medium" which was set up for propaganda purposes by politicians who supported Thaksin. The professional groups warned people not to believe news stories produced by the "fake media". They said such irresponsible and provocative news outlets would increase the likelihood of violent confrontations in Thai society.

Meanwhile, the website accused members of the three associations of favouring the anti-Thaksin groups, and mostly running news stories sceptical of the Thaksin government.

While the "professionals" and "fake" media organisations waged open war against each other, a group campaigning for freedom of expression supported the associations' stance by stating that although freedom should be for all, freedom for those with politicians behind them, like the so-called "fake media", was problematic. News website editors and media students expressed doubts about the validity of press freedom if it was monopolised by the established mainstream media organisations.

After the coup - elusive press freedom

Though many print media condoned the coup as necessary and the coup leaders as reluctant heroes, the Internet and television appear to be no freer under the interim government of Surayud Chulanont. Soldiers were dispatched to secure all television stations, and as of December 30 armed troops remained at the former Thaksin-owned iTV channel. Three months after the coup, media associations were seemingly unconcerned about such unprecedented military occupation.

Many sites critical of the coup makers, such as midnightuniv.org and 19sep.org, have been blocked and parts of their content destroyed. The last blocking of the 19sep.org website occurred as recently as December 28. The website says it is struggling for freedom of expression and has launched a petition. The situation in cyberspace has gone from bad to worse and a Harvard group of researchers will be visiting Thailand in January to research "free expression and the Internet in Thailand".

However, the print media insists it is mostly freer under the junta now than under Thaksin. Many took delight in the abrupt departure of Thaksin and were visibly lenient towards the coup makers and the new administration. They have been accused by some of willingly giving the junta and its administration a honeymoon period during which bridges would not be burnt through criticism.

Media ethics: a question of professionalism posed by young journalists

The year 2006 was one in which the media faced a dilemma over professionalism, especially during the political crisis. When the coup makers appointed leaders of three media associations to be members of the National Legislative Assembly, a group of 51 young journalists published an open letter urging their senior colleagues not to take the political role.

The young journalists reminded their seniors to adhere to their watchdog role and the media ethic that does not permit journalists to get involved with the powers-that-be. The selected leaders of three media associations, however, defended themselves by saying that press representatives should have a say in the drafting of the new constitution in order to protect press freedom.

Thaksin may be gone, but Thai press freedom remains illusive as it is up against a new group of oppressors.

Source: The Nation - 3 January 2007

[cdnvic]

If anything, it's gotten worse since Thaksin left, and in light of current events I think it'll get worse.

[Scott]

It's obvious that there is little press freedom. There is almost no debate about anything and little information.

If it weren't for the comics and my horoscope, I wouldn't both to read it at all!

[LaoPo]

"Thaksin may be gone, but Thai press freedom remains illusive as it is up against a new group of oppressors."

Source: The Nation - 3 January 2007

Wow, quite a brave article...they sure got some balls.

LP

[billzant]

Dear Forum,

How are you?

In these trying times it is difficult to place press freedom as a top priority. After the spate of recent bombings it is clear that Thaksin's web is still wide and powerful - even if he was not directly responsible.

Thaksin was a media mogul and had powerful influence at that time. It was common sense for the coup to repress press freedoms at that time or there would have been an immediate backlash. It will take time to dismantle the controls that Thaksin had in place. An immediate election would have ensured that Thaksin's machinery would still have had influence. A year gives them a chance to dismantle that machinery to allow some element of "free and fair"ness.

The bombings sadly point to the astuteness of the analysis of his power and possible desires - or those of his allies .

The coup-makers set out a timetable for free and fair elections, and it appears that they are sticking to it. In view of the potential for serious social unrest before the coup, it is perhaps better to watch and see if they follow through on that plan. Press freedom and different restrictions on democracy are serious issues but must be put in their place. Dismantling a democratic dictatorship with its obvious corruption is a higher priority, once that has been done then is the time to argue for these civil rights. Unfortunately dismantling takes time and the coup-makers should be given a chance, and press and democracy watchdogs should do that "watch" within the context of dismantling corruption.

At this time it would be a sound tactic on Thaksin's part to fund organisations that are promoting press freedom and democracy, thus causing greater dissatisfaction with those that ousted him.

Hope you are keeping well,

All the Best,

Bill Z

[hammered]

The Thai media were generally reckoned to have its greatest period of freedom under the Chuan and Banharn governments. It will probably be quite some time until the level of freedom returns to at that time.

[brazil]

Dear Forum,

How are you?

In these trying times it is difficult to place press freedom as a top priority. After the spate of recent bombings it is clear that Thaksin's web is still wide and powerful - even if he was not directly responsible.

Thaksin was a media mogul and had powerful influence at that time. It was common sense for the coup to repress press freedoms at that time or there would have been an immediate backlash. It will take time to dismantle the controls that Thaksin had in place. An immediate election would have ensured that Thaksin's machinery would still have had influence. A year gives them a chance to dismantle that machinery to allow some element of "free and fair"ness.

The bombings sadly point to the astuteness of the analysis of his power and possible desires - or those of his allies .

The coup-makers set out a timetable for free and fair elections, and it appears that they are sticking to it. In view of the potential for serious social unrest before the coup, it is perhaps better to watch and see if they follow through on that plan. Press freedom and different restrictions on democracy are serious issues but must be put in their place. Dismantling a democratic dictatorship with its obvious corruption is a higher priority, once that has been done then is the time to argue for these civil rights. Unfortunately dismantling takes time and the coup-makers should be given a chance, and press and democracy watchdogs should do that "watch" within the context of dismantling corruption.

At this time it would be a sound tactic on Thaksin's part to fund organisations that are promoting press freedom and democracy, thus causing greater dissatisfaction with those that ousted him.

Hope you are keeping well,

All the Best,

Bill Z

so you already have all the anwsers?

ok

so please show us forum members the emails, faxes, written transcripts detailing taksin's groups were behind the recent tragic bombings?

you must have intercepted the secret coding and messages to know in each and every detail who was behind the bombings?

even when this thread is showing how much propaganda is coming through the media, foreigners like you are still backing these claims made by the powers that be through the media.

not one of you knows any of the leaders in any personal context, so why do you claim that these people are so morally above every other corrupt powerfull figure in thailand.

there all just the same.

corrupt

[blaze]

Dear Forum,

How are you?

In these trying times it is difficult to place press freedom as a top priority. After the spate of recent bombings it is clear that Thaksin's web is still wide and powerful - even if he was not directly responsible.

Thaksin was a media mogul and had powerful influence at that time. It was common sense for the coup to repress press freedoms at that time or there would have been an immediate backlash. It will take time to dismantle the controls that Thaksin had in place. An immediate election would have ensured that Thaksin's machinery would still have had influence. A year gives them a chance to dismantle that machinery to allow some element of "free and fair"ness.

The bombings sadly point to the astuteness of the analysis of his power and possible desires - or those of his allies .

The coup-makers set out a timetable for free and fair elections, and it appears that they are sticking to it. In view of the potential for serious social unrest before the coup, it is perhaps better to watch and see if they follow through on that plan. Press freedom and different restrictions on democracy are serious issues but must be put in their place. . Unfortunately dismantling takes time and the coup-makers should be given a chance, and press and democracy watchdogs should do that "watch" within the context of dismantling corruption.

At this time it would be a sound tactic on Thaksin's part to fund organisations that are promoting press freedom and democracy, thus causing greater dissatisfaction with those that ousted him.

Hope you are keeping well,

All the Best,

Bill Z

To whom is all this so clear? The same people for whom it was abundantly clear that Iraq had WMD- that Saddam was behind 9/11? We should know the cost by now of substituting tantalizing theory with proven facts- regardless of how neatly the theory supports our prejudices.

Edited January 3, 2007 by blaze

[pumpuiman]

Dear Forum,

How are you?

In these trying times it is difficult to place press freedom as a top priority. After the spate of recent bombings it is clear that Thaksin's web is still wide and powerful - even if he was not directly responsible.

Thaksin was a media mogul and had powerful influence at that time. It was common sense for the coup to repress press freedoms at that time or there would have been an immediate backlash. It will take time to dismantle the controls that Thaksin had in place. An immediate election would have ensured that Thaksin's machinery would still have had influence. A year gives them a chance to dismantle that machinery to allow some element of "free and fair"ness.

The bombings sadly point to the astuteness of the analysis of his power and possible desires - or those of his allies .

The coup-makers set out a timetable for free and fair elections, and it appears that they are sticking to it. In view of the potential for serious social unrest before the coup, it is perhaps better to watch and see if they follow through on that plan. Press freedom and different restrictions on democracy are serious issues but must be put in their place. Dismantling a democratic dictatorship with its obvious corruption is a higher priority, once that has been done then is the time to argue for these civil rights. Unfortunately dismantling takes time and the coup-makers should be given a chance, and press and democracy watchdogs should do that "watch" within the context of dismantling corruption.

At this time it would be a sound tactic on Thaksin's part to fund organisations that are promoting press freedom and democracy, thus causing greater dissatisfaction with those that ousted him.

Hope you are keeping well,

All the Best,

Bill Z

Freedom of speech being denied is not a move forward. People have a right to say what they think.....but not under the present dictatorship. If you dont "think right" the special forces created by the current dictator will make sure you are never heard.

I dont believe waiting like a lamb before slaughter is the answer.

[hammered]

Dear Forum,

How are you?

In these trying times it is difficult to place press freedom as a top priority. After the spate of recent bombings it is clear that Thaksin's web is still wide and powerful - even if he was not directly responsible.

Thaksin was a media mogul and had powerful influence at that time. It was common sense for the coup to repress press freedoms at that time or there would have been an immediate backlash. It will take time to dismantle the controls that Thaksin had in place. An immediate election would have ensured that Thaksin's machinery would still have had influence. A year gives them a chance to dismantle that machinery to allow some element of "free and fair"ness.

The bombings sadly point to the astuteness of the analysis of his power and possible desires - or those of his allies .

The coup-makers set out a timetable for free and fair elections, and it appears that they are sticking to it. In view of the potential for serious social unrest before the coup, it is perhaps better to watch and see if they follow through on that plan. Press freedom and different restrictions on democracy are serious issues but must be put in their place. Dismantling a democratic dictatorship with its obvious corruption is a higher priority, once that has been done then is the time to argue for these civil rights. Unfortunately dismantling takes time and the coup-makers should be given a chance, and press and democracy watchdogs should do that "watch" within the context of dismantling corruption.

At this time it would be a sound tactic on Thaksin's part to fund organisations that are promoting press freedom and democracy, thus causing greater dissatisfaction with those that ousted him.

Hope you are keeping well,

All the Best,

Bill Z

Freedom of speech being denied is not a move forward. People have a right to say what they think.....but not under the present dictatorship. If you dont "think right" the special forces created by the current dictator will make sure you are never heard.

I dont believe waiting like a lamb before slaughter is the answer.

Actually you will see the governments oponents get a lot more time on state TV and a lot mopre coverage in the newspapers today than the opponents of the previous regime did under the Thaksin administration if you did a content analysis of the Thai language media.

[Tony Clifton]

That's also my observation.

[aaaaaa]

If anything, it's gotten worse since Thaksin left, and in light of current events I think it'll get worse.

ha! I would like to see comments on this by all those who was only a year or less ago crying out loud here on TV that Thaksin was suppressing press etc.

but wait! here is a hope:

PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan argued this could have an adverse impact if the government tried to seek more co-operation from the media in publishing its side of the story.

"We are the appointed government but we want to give the media freedom," the source quoted Thirapat as saying.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/01/04...al_30023239.php

[cdnvic]

ha! I would like to see comments on this by all those who was only a year or less ago crying out loud here on TV that Thaksin was suppressing press etc.

He was.

The problem is that each paper stops worrying about press freedom when their own favourites are in power. This leads to a divided and conquerable press.

[Barney_the_Dinosaur]

In Thailand you can buy foreign newspapers, get access to offshore news websites. Its not like China. You have freedoms.

Don't confuse press freedom with rubbish journalism. Some tired old hack on the newsdesk making sweeping inferrences on the basis of one idle interview with some politician, or rehashing MCOT propaganda press releases.

Poor Jai Dee spends hours each day reposting clag sourced from a narrow range of sources, but its still often just mindfarts from some desk jockey. Its very easy for them to blame press freedoms for their output when in actual fact they just need to learn to write tighter stories based on research rather than editorializing.

[Plus]

There are precious few signs of the present government actually interfering with the media. No one has been fired so far, no program has been pulled off the air.

From the original article - "the Internet and television appear to be no freer under the interim government of Surayud Chulanont... Three months after the coup, media associations were seemingly unconcerned about such unprecedented military occupation."

"the print media insists it is mostly freer under the junta now than under Thaksin."

How is it obvious that "there's little press freedom", as someone said earlier. It's obvious people haven't actually read it.

[brazil]

There are precious few signs of the present government actually interfering with the media. No one has been fired so far, no program has been pulled off the air.

From the original article - "the Internet and television appear to be no freer under the interim government of Surayud Chulanont... Three months after the coup, media associations were seemingly unconcerned about such unprecedented military occupation."

"the print media insists it is mostly freer under the junta now than under Thaksin."

How is it obvious that "there's little press freedom", as someone said earlier. It's obvious people haven't actually read it.

the propaganda has been so bad, that any comment against the powers that be was edited by the mods on this website and all other websites.

All media stations, print were under strict media restrictions since the coup, and who in their right mind is going to break those rules under the present regime?

If i am not mistaken, ThaiVisa had the Order of restrictions of media for all members to read from the new powers to be

what press freedom?

[hammered]

There are precious few signs of the present government actually interfering with the media. No one has been fired so far, no program has been pulled off the air.

From the original article - "the Internet and television appear to be no freer under the interim government of Surayud Chulanont... Three months after the coup, media associations were seemingly unconcerned about such unprecedented military occupation."

"the print media insists it is mostly freer under the junta now than under Thaksin."

How is it obvious that "there's little press freedom", as someone said earlier. It's obvious people haven't actually read it.

the propaganda has been so bad, that any comment against the powers that be was edited by the mods on this website and all other websites.

All media stations, print were under strict media restrictions since the coup, and who in their right mind is going to break those rules under the present regime?

If i am not mistaken, ThaiVisa had the Order of restrictions of media for all members to read from the new powers to be

what press freedom?

And before them we had newspapers running under the threat of advertsing revenue removal, and journos learned self censorship after seeing their coleagues removed for criticising the government. Then we had organised mobs outside of newspaper offices and certain media outlets previosly consideed independent bought up by the governments supporters. All in all Thailand has a fair way to go before getting back to where it was at the end of Chuan Two let alone improving on that.