Press council launches media ombudsman mechanism to handle complaints
In a move to improve self-regulation, the National Press Council of Thailand (NPCT) on Wednesday introduced a media ombudsman mechanism that would allow outsiders to help consider public queries on the performance of the press and online media.
NPCT president Chavarong Limpattamapanee said the new ombudsman body, which would be set up in media outlets and works in conjunction with the NPCT, aims to accelerate the complaint process on the media.
While the NPCT is normally responsible for responding to complaints, it takes time to cooperate with concerned media outlets to solve each case.
The new ombudsman committee would be required to proceed with complaints within 30 days after they have been received. If complainers are dissatisfied with the ombudsman’s decision, they can then proceed to the NPCT for further actions, Chavarong said.
The new ombudsman mechanism will be established at central and regional levels, covering press and online media in all parts of Thailand.
Each committee would consist of media owners, editors, media practitioners and outside experts on media, the law and consumer protection fields.
There would be three to seven members in each committee, he said.
