Protests

Thailand’s media organisations issue joint statement in wake of political violence

Published

Monday, March 22, 2021 11:14

PHOTO: Facebook / Youth Liberation - Free YOUTH

The 6 organisations that represent Thailand’s media have issued a joint statement, calling on all sides in the current political conflict to show restraint. The statement comes following ugly scenes at Saturday’s anti-establishment protest in Bangkok. At least 33 people were injured near Sanam Luang, including police officers and journalists. Police officers used tear gas, water cannon, and rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse activists who were allegedly attempting to dismantle barriers preventing them from reaching the Grand Palace.

The joint statement comes from the National Press Council, the Thai Journalists Association, the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association, the Online News Providers Association, the News Broadcast Council of Thailand, and the National Union of Journalists Thailand.

According to a Thai PBS World report, the 6 organisations state that they oppose any form of violence, while stating that, under a democratic system, people have a right to peacefully protest without being confronted with weapons or the use of force. The statement calls on the authorities to clearly inform protesters and media representatives in advance of the action they are about to take to disperse protests, so that violence can be avoided.

The statement also calls on media organisations to follow the guidelines for working in such situations in order to avoid being injured or killed, or having their equipment or vehicles damaged. They urge media agencies to guarantee the safety of staff members and to ensure they have adequate protective gear. They also say reporters at protesters should adopt arm bands that clearly show they are from the media, while still assessing whether or not it is safe to attend such rallies.

Following Saturday’s violent clashes, protesters and a number of academics have criticised the police response, calling on all sides to use peaceful means to resolve their differences. Meanwhile, the police have defended their actions, accusing protesters of resorting to violence first.

SOURCE: Thai PBS World

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8 Comments

Slugger

Monday, March 22, 2021 at 1:01 pm

‘under a democratic system, people have a right to peacefully protest without being confronted with weapons or the use of force.’

And in which idyllic state does this happen? America? Dont make me chuckle.

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Issan John

Monday, March 22, 2021 at 4:03 pm

Hypocritical for some, at least, considering that the reporter from Khaosod English was very clearly telling protesters what to do to deliberately provoke an incident in one of his own “reports”.

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Pedro

Monday, March 22, 2021 at 4:20 pm

Slugger, you obviously support the Military Government, and it is your right to peacefully express that support (especially if you are in a minority) without being physically attacked. In a democracy, to maintain a fair balance, it is also the right for others who do not support the Junta to peacefully do the same. It is the job of the police to facilitate that same right for both sides, not to attack them. If it were a pro-Government rally, then would the police turn up in riot gear and attack those attending? I believe the answer would be no. So they should adopt the same approach for anti-government demonstrations whilst preparing for the worst. Knowing how to peacefully police a demonstration is an intricate skill that Thai Police Commanders do not appear to possess, because if you openly set up for a fight then you will get one (check out the Betari Box model of attitude and behaviour). Allowing police officers to chase down individual protesters to beat them with batons is not the way to go. You do not uphold the law by breaking the law yourself, and randomly beating someone is against the law as it goes beyond the use of the reasonable force allowed to maintain order, especially if you actually start the fight in the first place.

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Pedro

Monday, March 22, 2021 at 5:37 pm

It seems that The Thaiger have stopped publishing my comments. Recently I have posted a few which have never made it and one was published and then removed. So much for supporting freedom of speech. If this one is posted and not my other one, then I will know for sure.:) 🙂

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- Thaiger
  
  Monday, March 22, 2021 at 8:42 pm
  
  We don’t believe any of your comments have been deleted. We are checking into it.
  
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Roger Bruce

Monday, March 22, 2021 at 7:41 pm

Australia new Zealand and many other Asian countries
USA full of strange people very violent nature cannot compare USA with these countries

Where is the democratic system in Thailand idiot ..it is a Police state ..LIke Nazi Germany
or communist China
Good Luck Thailand

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Pedro

Monday, March 22, 2021 at 8:53 pm

Ahhhh, we have lift-off.

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toby andrews

Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 11:44 am

These timid statements from Thailand Media are pitiful.
Speak up, tell the truth, or shut up.

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Maya Taylor

A seasoned writer, with a degree in Creative Writing. Over ten years' experience in producing blog and magazine articles, news reports and website content.

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