Parliament, “Parit” is concerned about the deterioration of media freedom. After police arrested Prachathai reporter and photographer Point out if the media has to be suspicious of their duties. Affecting Thai democracy Views the proposal to protect the procession entering the House of Representatives as a good thing.
Mr. Parit Watcharasinthu, Member of Parliament, list form Spokesperson of the Progressive Party Mentioning the case of police officers at the Royal Palace Police Station. Arrest of field reporters Prachatai news agency and freelance photographer On the accusation of being a supporter of damaging an ancient site by writing a message, he said that he knew from the news that the two were currently being detained overnight at the police station. It is believed that the real reason was because reporters and photographers reported the news only. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the fact that the two were actually arrested just for reporting the news or not. Because it is considered a very seri
ous matter.
‘This is contrary to the core principle of the media that reporting facts does not equal supporting the action that is the main content of the news. And freedom of the press is a basic freedom in a democracy. But if looking at the measurement of freedom of the press in Thailand Compared to the rest of the world in the World Press Freedom Index 2023, Thailand ranks in the top 100 out of two hundred countries measured. This is considered a very bad situation. And if the incident of arresting the media was truly reasonable as expected. It will cause media freedom to deteriorate even more,’ said a spokesperson for the Kao Klai Party.
Mr. Prit said that as for the Kao Klai Party, Ms. Phakamon Nunchanan, party list MP. As Deputy Spokesperson of the Move Forward Party responsible for media issues and is a member of the Political Development Commission mass communication and participation of the people as well Will bring this matter to the committee. This Thursday, Feb. 15, and may invite relevant agenc
ies to explain the facts in order to find a solution.
As for many parties, it is considered that this litigation is the use of estoppel In order to create fear in presenting the news, Mr. Prit said that it is considered a worrisome situation. Because the media has the basic right to report the facts of every event. and is a guarantee of the basic rights of citizens with access to information in a complete and comprehensive manner.
‘Whenever the media has to be suspicious and careful in reporting facts, it is a very worrisome situation for Thailand’s democracy. And I hope that’s not the case. We ask the government to quickly investigate the facts and find a solution,’ Mr. Prit said.
For the case where the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party is preparing to propose an urgent motion. Regarding improving security measures for the Royal Procession Tomorrow, Mr. Prit said that he must look at the details of the motion first. What is the origin of the reasons for the motion? But initially It is seen that this is an issue
that has differences both inside and outside the House. And it’s a sensitive topic. It is good that it was discussed in a straightforward and reasonable manner. from representatives with various opinions in the area of ??the House of Representatives
Mr. Prit predicted that the said motion Consisting of two questions: 1. How to design measures regarding the royal procession How to find balance during security along with efforts to reduce the impact that may have on the traveling public.2. It’s a broader problem. is how to manage conflict in society in order not to cause violence or expand the gap in understanding and different ideas with the democratic process Personally, I think it’s the most urgent thing right now. that is, to prevent violence from occurring in society
When asked whether he viewed the actions of the activists as excessive or not, Mr. Parit said that the leader of the Kao Klai Party had answered this matter over the weekend. that different opinions in society are normal And society will loo
k at both the substance of the claim and the method of claim together. But whether we agree or not with the content and methods. We must not rely on the principle of using violence to solve problems. To find a way to resolve differences of opinion through peaceful means.
Source: Thai News Agency