Dramatic shots of pro-democracy protests win Thai press freedom contest

"This contest aims to enable the media and public to express opinions on the freedom of Thai media, which is an important part of the human rights and liberty enshrined in the Constitution," the association said.

The theme of this year’s competition was "Media freedom amid the current situation".

The winning photo in the media section captures a group of anti-riot police surrounding an individual on the ground at a protest with their batons drawn. Other scenes of tear gas and water cannon being fired at pro-democracy protesters feature among the winning shots.

Winners in the media category:

Winner: Ekkalak Mainoi (Thairath Online)

First runner-up: Tanachai Pramarnpanich(TNN)

Second runner-up: Micky Fern (Raise) and Navapong Muangsiritham (Siamrath)

Honourable mention: Kotcharak Kaewsurach (Prachathai), Pae Nt(Dailynews), Suk Hengprapakorn (Bangkokbiznews) and Chin Ch (PPTV)

Popular vote: Sawita Poonsatien (The Standard)

Winners in the public category:

Winner: Dear Adirach

First runner-up: Laila Tahe

Second runner-up: Dear Adirach and Mu Suwannatwipa

Honourable mention: Karntachat Raungratanaamporn, Thikamporn Tamtiang, Dear Adirach, Laila Tahe Watcharawitwat, Atiwat Silpamethanont and Rahat Kijjariyapoom

A top prize of THB10,000 went to winners in each category.

The winning photos can be viewed at the website.

World Press Freedom Day is marked on May 3 to highlight the importance of media freedom and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined by the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Thailand ranks a lowly 137th out of 180 countries in the 2021 World Press Freedom Index.

The index is compiled by Reporters Without Borders, an international NGO with consultative status at the United Nations.