The 2006 report by the Committee to Protect Journalists named the Philippines, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka as the most dangerous countries for journalists based on the number of reporters killed or assaulted on duty in those countries. As far as Thailand is concerned, the committee's report said that Thai media outlets have suffered a "great setback" from pressure and intimidation by certain parties.

Such a deteriorated image of press freedoms in Thailand in the eyes of the global community is seriously damaging. To correct that negative perception, the interim government of General Surayud Chulanont must promptly produce solid proof that it fully respects the mass media and that it is open to Thai people exercising their rights to freedom of expression through the media.

The government's efforts to bring about reconciliation in areas of political conflict will work effectively only when the media have full freedom to do their jobs according to the highest professional standard.

Prior to the Thaksin government, press freedoms in Thailand ranked high among countries where the media have played an unrelenting role in fighting against dictatorship. Thailand used to rank higher than Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and other neighbouring countries in granting freedom of expression to its people and media.

During the time of the Thaksin government, Thai press freedoms were under threat from those in power and came close to reaching the same level as those of the media in Singapore and Malaysia.

Since the September 19 coup, confusion and uncertainty have prevailed for the Thai media.

Whether the interim government and the Council for National Security (CNS) truly understand how significant press freedom in this country is remains questionable.

This lack of understanding was confirmed when the junta asked for the media's "cooperation" in limiting reports critical of the government and those dealing with the activities and comments of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra while he is in exile. "Choose a side" seemed to be the message behind the junta's efforts. The request, however, eventually was withdrawn after the media put up a strong protest against it. Although the media has faced no other limitations from the CNS since that incident, professionals can't help feeling worried about the prospect of more interference in the future.

Today, Thai media outlets must join forces once again to build a concrete foundation for their efforts to demand the return of full press freedoms. This goal can be realised through the drafting of a new constitution that guarantees true press freedoms, and by educating the public on how to distinguish true media professionals from politicians in disguise.

The people must understand their fundamental right to access information through the media without intervention from government authorities.

There is no cause for celebration on this year's Reporters' Day. There are only reasons for concern from every direction. Media professionals must pool forces to make their stance clear at a time when the country is badly in need of accurate, fast and comprehensive information without those with political agendas mixing in and claiming credit as media members.

To mark this Reporters' Day, members of the Thai media must confidently pledge to resolutely adhere to the best journalistic standards for the sake of the people, and to restore faith in Thai press freedoms, which have been disturbed as of late.