PM gives no definite answers on revoking media laws

The group, led by TJA president Wanchai Wongmeechai, went to Government House to meet the prime minister and hand over a statement to mark World Press Freedom Day yesterday. 

However, Prayut did not confirm whether he would revoke the laws, joking that if he decided to do so, he would only issue new ones. 

The journalists were calling on Prayut to revoke the junta’s orders No 97/2557 and 103/2557, as well as order No 3/2558, which he issued in his capacity as chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). They regard these edicts as restricting the media’s work. 

“What have we done to disturb you? I understand that this is a memorable day and I will consider [the proposal],” Prayut said. 

The prime minister also asked the journalists if they believed the media did not have enough freedom, to which Wanchai responded: “It doesn’t mean we are asking you to give us more freedom. We just want you to revoke some laws.” 

However, the exchange was disrupted when one senior journalist at the back abruptly said that granting the media freedom meant granting freedom to the people. 

Prayut’s response to her was “beware”. 

“It’s OK, I’m always watchful,” the woman said later. The TJA president was then stopped by officials from submitting a document titled “Well-Rounded Accuracy is a Guarantee for Freedom” comprising four proposals. 

The officials said this statement was blocked because it would set a precedent for others to submit proposals directly to the prime minister. 

In the statement, TJA also called on the National Reform Steering Assembly to start media reforms based on the proposals of the now-defunct National Reform Council. 

It said the NRSA should consider developing laws that are “more effective in promoting self-regulation among the media” and “help prevent intervention in the media’s work by authorities or businesses”. 

The statement also said the NCPO’s move to amend the Computer Crime Act and enact “digital economy” laws would put people’s right to freedom of expression at risk. 

The association also called on journalists and the public in general to be aware of the accuracy of information that is disseminated. 

Later at his regular weekly press briefing, Prayut complained that the reporting style used by media could bring conflict back. 

“Why do you ask questions that make me angry? You keep doing this every time,” Prayut said, referring to the TJA. “The media must bring truthful and well-rounded information to the public. 

“But [if] you continue with your old way of thinking and reporting, that will lead to clashes,” he warned. 

Asked whether he was satisfied with the media’s work, the prime minister said: “Sometimes I am and sometimes I’m not … but I don’t hate you. If I did, I wouldn’t stand and talk to you here.”