NCPO eases controls on media, urges self-regulation

– Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community

PHUKET: The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has amended some points in its announcement – No 97 – on media control after being told that the order banning critical reports was harsh.

Instead of outright ban on criticism, the NCPO said on Monday night that the ban applies to criticism made with ill intention or to discredit the NCPO by using false information.

Instead of an immediate ban on distribution, sales or broadcast by the media for violating the prohibition, the NCPO says it would allow professional media agencies to investigate the outlet or outlets that spread the false information.

The changes came after a meeting between the permanent-secretary of defence and representatives from professional media organisations earlier in the day.

National Press Council of Thailand chairman Chakkrish Permpool said that media organizations need to prove that representative bodies can regulate news outlets effectively and that they deserve self-regulation.

He added that media organisations were due to meet tomorrow (Thursday) to discuss the guidelines and measures.

Thai Journalists Association president Pradit Ruangdit said that media groups originally proposed that the NCPO repeal the announcement controlling the media as there are normal laws and codes of conduct to regulate the media.

The real problem was law enforcement, he said, but added that the NCPO decided to change the announcement, showing that the junta is quick to respond to the media and people’s reactions.

— Phuket Gazette Editors