Journalists’ body declines NRSA invite on new code of conduct
The Thai Journalists Association (TJA) has turned down an invitation by the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) to take part in developing a new code of conduct, saying this was a measure under the media reform bill which would infringe on press freedom.
The organisation was invited by the body to take part in the event scheduled for June 28.
TJA spokesperson Pratyachai Datthuyawat said they decided to decline the invitation and would only adhere to the self-regulation approach as part of media reform.
The TJA and other media groups view the media bill drafted by the NRSA as proposing mechanisms that infringe on press freedom rather than promote it.
These include the new media professional council, which would see at least two top state officials sitting on the council with media representatives. The groups met Deputy Premier Wissanu Krea-ngam on Friday to discuss the bill, but no new agreement was reached.
The bill is now with the government, which will forward it to the NLA to enact it as a new law.
