29 August 2000
JOURNALISTS EXCLUDED FROM BROADCAST COMMISSION
Eleven journalists' associations, including the Thai Journalists Association (TJA), are protesting the a new broadcast regulatory commission that will exclude journalists. The groups claim that media owners and operators have stacked the government-formed commission and warn that their interests will not be represented by them. After decades of state-controlled radio and television, the 1997 reform constitution was a welcome change that "opened the door for public participation in the broadcasting industry," says the TJA. Under the constitution, "historic" legislation was passed, which led to the creation of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), "an independent body which will reallocate frequencies and regulate the airwaves."
The legislation specifies that the commission must have equal representation from different media sectors, including four seats from each of the categories of "media experts," "media professionals," and "media-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs)." However, the government's vague definition of "media professional" has enabled media operators' associations to fill these seats, reports TJA. TJA further notes that these associations, "which were set up shortly before the meeting was organised, are being used as a vehicle by owners and operators, including the army, to exercise undue influence over the selection process for the commission."
On 23 August, the government proposed draft legislation that enables the NBC to "instantly and unilaterally censor all future radio and television programs," reports TJA. The bill directly contravenes the constitution and flies in the face of recent recommendations made by journalists associations, NGOs and media monitoring groups, asserts TJA. These events have been further marred by the 24 August bomb attack of a journalist's home in Bangkok, report TJA and the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA). The police reportedly believe that the attack was an intimidation tactic against Suriwon Uapatiphan, editor of "Khao Sod", who is known for his critical work against police corruption. Suriwon has also been sued by a police general in the past for defamation.
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