Freedom of expressionFIVE media groups yesterday called on the junta chief to review his order issued on Thursday giving the broadcast and telecom regulator absolute power to shut down media outlets without the right to appeal.The National Press Council of Thailand, News Broadcasting Council of Thailand, Thai Journalist Association, Thai Broadcast Journalists Association, and Society Online News Providers warned that restriction of media freedom and the people's right of expression at this time could result in a lack of legitimacy for the upcoming referendum on the draft constitution. He exercised his power under Article 44 of the post-coup interim charter.The order assigns the NBTC to monitor broadcast media for airing reports deemed detrimental or a threat to the political system, national stability or public morality.In their joint statement, the five media groups also urged the NBTC to exercise its power as an independent organisation that is free from any political interference.They also expressed concern that the latest order by the junta chief signalled there could be further attempts to interfere with the media and restrict media freedom.Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam yesterday said Prayut 's order was aimed at encouraging the NBTC and its regulating committees to deal in a more decisive manner with media outlets that present false information and insult the monarchy. This could make the referendum result unacceptable to people both inside and outside the country, they said in their joint statement.The groups warned that the junta's order could result in restriction of the rights and freedoms of the majority of media outlets that perform their duties under the legal framework and code of conduct.They said the relevant authorities, particularly the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), already had the legal authority to deal with any lawbreaking media outlet.The group issued a four-point statement after discussions in response to Thursday's order.On Thursday, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, in his capacity as chief of the National Council for Peace and Order, issued an edict granting absolute power to the NBTC to order outlets to shut down without the right to appeal.General Prayut issued Order No 41/2559 on the supervision of the dissemination of news and information to the public.

Source: The Nation Bangkok July 15, 2016 17:15 UTC