Reduce coverage on Thaksin, media told

Some newspapers heavily covered Thaksin’s recent trips to Japan and China, especially after he was joined by his sister, former PM Yingluck. Their photos and updates were also widely shared on social media. 

Prayut said media should avoid publishing reports on people who are wanted by law and spreading views that could further divide society. 

“I ask for your cooperation to refrain from reporting about people facing legal problems at a time when the case is still going on. I am not going to prohibit anyone, but please reduce your coverage of people while their case is not completed,” Prayut said, without mentioning Thaksin by name.

He also said yesterday that Thaksin was a political offender and that his prosecution was still under way, adding that too much coverage of the fugitive may get people to wonder why the current government has done nothing about the former PM. He added that all people had the right to express their opinions, but these views should be constructive and not lead to disharmony. 

A number of former Pheu Thai Party MPs reached by The Nation yesterday refused to comment on the matter.