Thai media marks World Press Freedom Day

PHUKET: To mark World Press Freedom Day yesterday, seven Thai media associations on Sunday issued a list of demands.

Journalists put freedom from government intervention in all forms of media as its top priority, calling for the legal prosecution of those who violate press freedom laws.

They also called on politicians to understand the valuable role of the media in society and not to prevent them in any way from carrying out their the work. The journalists also opposed presenting news that could cause conflict or violence in Thai society.

In order to bring a balanced view and to ensure that justice prevails for those in the news and other concerned parties, the media should avoid unprofessional competition in news presentation, the statement read.

The United Nations declared May 3 as World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

— Thai News Agency