NCPO urged to reconsider decision on media forum

TJA vice president Manop Thip-osod said it was unfortunate that the junta had asked TJA and co-host Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES), to defer the launch of the 2014 Asian Media Barometer Report on Thailand.
Manop also voiced concerns about basic freedom of expression in Thailand at present, saying that though the NCPO is concerned about peace and order, it should also consider the possible repercussions of its decision, which is not beneficial to the Kingdom’s image.
He said the NCPO should be careful as the international community is watching Thailand.
The foundation, meanwhile, said yesterday that it had been ordered by the junta to cancel the briefing on the health of Thailand’s media landscape, which is part of a growing clampdown on freedom of expression.
The ban came as two former ministers from the ousted government of ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra were summoned by the military, which is escalating its campaign to crush dissent since seizing power last May.
“It’s true, sadly. We were initially told over the phone and then the military went to the hotel and told them that we weren’t allowed to hold the event,” an employee of the foundation, who asked to remain anonymous, told AFP. “We have released these reports every year for many years and have not had a problem until now.”
No junta officials were immediately available for comment.