Suranand Vejjajiva said the public was discerning when it came to working out what was news and what was propaganda.

He was responding to claims on Monday from journalist groups that the government was employing "false" news media to indoctrinate people and to instigate hatred for those with opposing views.

The groups said such irresponsible and provocative practices increased the likelihood of confrontation.

But, Suranand rejected the stance taken by the Press Council, Journalists Association and the Broadcast Journalists Association.

"Everyone has the right to run their own media, but they should stick to the facts," Suranand

said.

He believed people would select what they wanted to watch. If they don't like it, "just switch to other channels", he said.

"If a news media organisation or publication insults others, it will be prosecuted," he added.

The two professional associations and the standards body cautioned readers and viewers to be alert for "reports churned out by self-serving politicians and spread via selected newspapers, websites and short-message services".

In a joint statement they alleged the government not only employed state-owned news media to disseminate propaganda, but was "trying to establish a network of other media for information".

Meanwhile, the Campaign for Popular Media Reform demanded the government halt its alleged distortion of facts through its control of state and privately-owned news media.

It warned Thai Rak Thai not to exploit "artificial" news media in its election campaigning.

The other PM's Office Minister Newin Chidchob refused to comment. He is allegedly close to executives of the artificial media backed by the government.