Wissanu declines to confirm media input to controversial regulation bill
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam on Monday declined to confirm that the government would include recommendations made by media representatives invited to meet him, saying it was up to the Cabinet to consider.
Wissanu planned to meet the media representatives to hear their views on the controversial media regulation bill, due to be forwarded to the government by the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) after its endorsement on May 1.
However, he stopped short of confirming that the media's views would be included in final touches to the bill before it is sent to the National Legislative Assembly for enactment.
Wissanu said he would meet the media after the NRSA forwarded the bill to the assembly, which is expected to happen this week.
The media fears that new proposals to have at least two top officials sitting on the proposed media professional council and a new accreditation and certification system would infringe press freedom while allowing state interference.