Press Council of Thailand president Banyat Tassaneeyavej and Broadcast Journalists Association chairman Somchai Sawangkarn resigned as head of the two media bodies.

On Monday, Thai Journalists Association chairman Pattara Khampitak had quit his post.

Academics and critics opposed their accepting the NLA role, saying the media is a watchdog and should keep a distance from the powers that be - and avoid conflicts of interest.

During the PCT meeting, Banyat said she had resigned to assure PCT members that the media can continue their role of checking the government.

"If I had known that PCT members would feel this way, I would not have sat on the assembly. If I had a choice, I would have chosen to be with the PCT because this is my home - and I have been living here for several decades,'' she said.

PCT secretary-general Chavarong Limpattamapani proposed that Banyat be an adviser to that PCT, which was accepted.

Somchai said he resigned to keep his distance so the media can be free to check on the government. "I accept criticism and I believe critics have good intentions to push for media reform,'' he said.