On 16 February, Amnesty organized a panel discussion on 'Journalism is not a crime', concerned with the arrest of journalists. It degrades the right to freedom of media Ask the government to stop prosecuting the media Create a safe space for the right to freedom of expression On all sides, I believe no one wants to use violence.
February 19, 2024 Amnesty International Thailand held a seminar on February 16, entitled Amnesty. Delivering journalism is not a crime at the Barn Meeting Room, 1st Floor, Bangkok's Best Western Chatuchak Hotel, to exchange views on the arrest of freelance journalists and photographers on charges of being supporters of vandalizing ancient sites by graffiti. In March 2023, after a political activist group published a story about spray-painting on the walls of Wat Phra Kaew, Prachadhai News Agency Editor-in-Chief Devarith Maneechai, with Amnesty International Thailand Director Bianuch Kotson and Assistant Professor and Lecturer in the Faculty of Communication Arts Bansasiri Gulap. Chulalongkorn University joins the debate
Devarith Maneechai
Devarith Manichai, Editor-in-Chief of Prachadhai News Agency It is seen that this incident has caused concern and fear for the news work in several respects: 1. In relation to providing sponsorship. In the case of reporting the movements of a particular group performing identity functions, the government considers it a crime. Therefore, he questioned whether the media will come out in the future to publish various events to present the facts that happened in the society, whether there will be crimes like breaking the assembly law or not? An arrest warrant was issued on May 22, 2023, but authorities arrived to arrest him only on February 12, 2024. So why did the authorities allow 9 months to lapse, he said. without sending a summons to inform them first
Also, 'Devarith' sees that there have been incidents of cases being registered against journalists in the past. Especially issues of political importance. News organizations often don't come out to defend their own people. Also, they cut a small but sufficient number of openings by suspending or dismissing them from performing their duties. He regards this as concern for freedom of the press. Those in the field are little people. Risks must be faced There are already insecurities at work. So, you need to build bargaining power. Let the media play a strong role if the trade union establishment is really strong. It is not the establishment of a trade union or professional body as an institution to deal with various problems. Alone, he believes, unless the union is strong, it will not lead to true freedom of the press.
“I believe that freedom comes with the power of negotiation for the working people. Kun Lek, you are always suppressed. We are not going to his garden. But we must have enough punch to not intimidate us. With all struggles comes freedom. If we come together, especially those who work in various fields, benefits, welfare. “And you can form a union to bargain for freedom of work. This will help ensure more freedom for working people. Not just employers or media business owners. If you're happy, they can let you go,” Devarid said.
Pianuch Kotson, Director of Amnesty International Thailand is concerned that what is happening now is tantamount to media silence. It may also make a difference in the presentation of dark news. Also, we are now in a situation where we don't trust each other. Although there is a government elected by the people, both are serious politics, but there are still problems in many issues, including the current issue of media freedom. And some groups doubt Amnesty's position. Therefore, I would like to reiterate Amnesty's position that news reporting is a freedom that society and the world should respect. No one should be sued if their press should disclose facts and circumstances.
“We stand for freedom of expression. Freedom of peaceful assembly and we are on the side of media freedom. Media is the light that sees darkness in every corner. And we hope that a critical Koch government will show leadership in pushing for change in society and not treat the media against them or arrest them. Because he did his duty. It creates fear. Today happened with Prachatha. One day it could be you if you keep letting it happen. What will other media do?” said Bianuch.
Bianuch Godson
Bianuch also mentioned the results of the survey. The 2023 Commission on Protection of Journalists (CPJ) report found that Asia has the highest number of prosecuted and imprisoned journalists in the world. Even now Thailand's name is not on the list. But the arrest of freelance reporters and freelance photographers on February 12, 2024 is believed to worsen the media situation in Thailand. Therefore, I would like to emphasize that “Journalism is not a crime”.
Bansasiri suggests that the government should go back and set a new principle: there should be no recurrence of cases against the media. But the important thing is to pressure governments to create safe spaces for free speech. I hope we can discuss if there are other alternatives to prevent violent incidents because no one wants to use violence.
Bansa Siri Rose
Regarding the definition of mass media, Bansasiri and Devarid both agree that now mass media is expanding with the development of technology and therefore, the mainstream media or media organizations should adopt this change. Although media organizations claim that freedom of media is the freedom of the people, Bansasiri emphasized. But you have to go back and look. Why is freedom the freedom of the people? Because public freedom is media freedom. If people don't have freedom or rights, don't expect the media or anyone else to have that freedom.
At the end of the discussion Bianuch encouraged all media to do their duty. “I appreciate everyone's bravery. Fear must be borne but we believe that if everyone helps to show this intention, it will help us to raise our voice without giving up. There will still be hope. Because human rights belong to everyone. Freedom of expression is everyone's business. Including the issue of media freedom. I believe that one day, there will be justice for everyone and every right.
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