CDC subpanel eyes shackling media outlets

IN response to alleged ‘false’ news about Thailand doing the rounds, a Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) panel is eyeing the option of setting up a “media regulatory” body under the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission.

This was because the National Journalists Council had not been able to effectively regulate the media, a report from the CDC subcommittee on reconciliation says. 

The panel chose to focus on media while addressing issues impeding reconciliation, because it believes the media has played a key role in creating endless conflict affecting the country. 

The report also refers to the ongoing “media war”, where opposing factions have media outlets under their control and can exploit them to fulfil their political agenda. 

The report pointed out that most of the time, political groups like the People’s Alliance for Democracy and the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship publicise information in the direction desired by their leaders. And though the government also has its own media channels, it still fails to deliver accurate information to the people, the report said.

It goes on to elaborate that despite the information war, the government sector has not been able to control the media, for fear of affecting freedom of expression.

Hence, the CDC subpanel studying reconciliation has suggested that the authorities create mechanisms that manage, regulate or eliminate media that have been provoking conflict.

As for international media, the panel suggested that the government adopt a proactive strategy to feed them with accurate information. Otherwise, it said, Thailand will find itself “surrounded by the world”, especially when opposition forces use the international media to pressure the government. 

The report also suggested that the Foreign Ministry set up a public relations body to help counter bad publicity overseas. 

“Why is the government not using the same tools as its opponents for the benefit of the country?” the report said. 

The subpanel is encouraging the government to exploit traditional media, such as TV, radio and publishing, as well as social media to publicise its work, as well as urging it to find a way to deal with those who distort the truth and provoke conflict and hatred. It cited newspapers that are influenced by financiers and publish biased news. 

Hence, the report said, the government should exploit the state-owned TV channels 5, 7 and 11 to broadcast reports that focus more on state affairs rather than the interest of the stations. 

The government should also collaborate with media to exchange information, so the opposition can be prevented from interfering, the report said. 

However, the subpanel also said that it was necessary to come up with concrete plans to ensure that the government does the right thing and is fair to everyone.