Call for law to control govt ads
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Media organisations, a think tank and an anti-corruption group are calling for a law to control advertisements by government agencies - to ensure they are not used for political or personal benefit.
A letter was handed to Defence permanent-secretary General Surasak Kanjanarat yesterday detailing the changes needed in the law covering state agencies’ advertising.
It was signed by the Thai Journalists Association, Thai Broadcast Journalists Association, the National Press Council and the News Broadcasting Council, along with the Thailand Development Research Institute and the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand.
The letter explained that proposed changes were aimed at preventing the misuse of public funds on ads that may end up benefiting someone personally or politically. For instance, it said, an ad taken out by a government agency should not carry a photo or name of a politician or government official. It also said ads should clearly state that public funds were used to publicise a particular agency.
