Investigate allegations of media intimidation

Our military rulers have come under heavy criticism from media groups for their tough treatment of public broadcaster Thai PBS.
A group of officers, acting on the orders of their unnamed boss in the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), last week demanded that Thai PBS suspend its programme “People’s Voices That Need to Be Heard Before the Reform” or replace the show’s host, Nattaya Wawweerakup. Thai PBS went for the second option. The move came after certain figures in the junta were reportedly upset by questions posed by Nattaya during the show.
Media outlets and groups have condemned what they described as harassment of the media.
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who also heads the NCPO, has denied any involvement in pressuring Thai PBS. But he also called on the media to abide by NCPO orders issued after the coup of May 22, which he said are tantamount to a law. The orders prohibit criticism aimed at undermining the credibility of the NCPO, and ban publication or broadcast of opinions that could worsen the political conflict. Those orders are viewed by many as restrictive of media freedom. 
The military officers reportedly acted in a threatening manner when they talked to Nattaya and met senior Thai PBS executives. According to a source, the officers told Thai PBS executives they had good “information” about every one of them, including the addresses of their family members. This triggered concern among the TV executives about their safety and that of their family members, the source said.
It also raises more general concern that some within authority are seeking to enforce an atmosphere of intimidation against the media.
The prime minister should step in to dispel that concern, by ordering an investigation into the allegation that the TV executives were bullied. And if the allegation is proved, he should make sure that no such threats are made again in the future. Journalists should not be intimidated for doing their job.
Yet, there has also been sympathy for the military’s actions here. Wanchai Wattanasap, former director of King Prajadhipok Institute’s Office of Peace and Governance, said the military could be viewed as restricting media freedom but that the media should be aware that the junta was also seeking to resolve a decade-long political conflict, having seized power amid worsening violence. 
He suggested that the media should avoid presenting news or programmes in a way that might worsen the conflict. “You should be aware that we are now trying to find a way out for our country,” he said.
Indeed, the NCPO and its people may be harassing the media in the name of reform and betterment of the country. The junta, which is working closely with Prayut’s government, is likely working under stress and pressure from high public expectations and a limited timeframe, with a new election due in a little over a year.
They deserve praise and sympathy for attempting to prevent further conflict, but they should avoid overreaction in doing so. Harassing the media may not be a good idea, as it threatens to trigger strong opposition in an “open” society.
Instead, the junta and others in authority should foster an atmosphere of mutual respect. The junta should be aware that the media are also doing their job of informing the public and aiding public input to the ongoing reform process and drafting of a new constitution.