Media condemns violence

The statement was endorsed by the National Press Council, Journalists Confederation of Thailand, Thai Journalists Association, Broadcasting Journalists Association and Cable Television Association of Thailand.

It had four points:

1. Condemning violence inflicted on media professionals for trying to do their job. Recent incidents included the attack on a news crew at Vibhavadi Soi 3, the assault on reporters and cameramen in Chiang Mai covering the lynching of an old man, the blockade of the Thai PBS station in Chiang Mai, the grenade attacks against ASTV channel, and the subjecting of newsmen to body searches at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

2. Calling on opposing crowds to respect journalistic duties of news coverage. Attempts to interfere with reporting will undermine public support and the right to access information.

3. Urging all media outlets, regardless of their political leanings, to uphold journalistic standards for fair and unbiased reporting. Community radio stations, ASTV with its declared political stand, and state-run NBT station should ensure well-rounded reports and not become political tools.

4. Dispensing duty on news coverage with caution and avoid inflaming the situation. Journalists covering opposing crowds should wear arm bands to show clearly they are on duty.