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Thai Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha Warns Media to Behave

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Thai Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha speaks at a meeting to discuss the 2015 national budget, at the Army Club in Bangkok

Thai Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha speaks at a meeting to discuss the 2015 national budget, at the Army Club in Bangkok

BANGKOK – The coup leader turned his attention to the media on Friday with a stern reminder of the consequences of any ill-intended attempts to create rifts in the country.

“If any media still continue groundless reports or reports that damage the country, you have to take responsibility because the media are under your supervision,” army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said in a message to editors and news directors.

Gen Prayuth made clear in his weekly televised speech that his statement applied to all forms of media – from print to television, satellite broadcasting, cable stations, radio, community radio and even social media.

He even observed that some community radio stations were not playing the national anthem, and said they had better start or he would shut them down.

“Our country is not in a normal situation. [We] have to call your attention to limit reports which stir or widen conflicts including those [reports] for which the facts are not verified,” he said.

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) last month set up five panels to monitor the mass media. They have been told to immediately inform Gen Prayuth about any content they believe to be false or damaging.

Media organisations have expressed concern about having their work shadowed, that the panels’ mandate is too broad, and that there is no clear definition of what constitutes harmful content.

The NCPO chairman defended the move saying: “We still allow freedom of the press, probably too much [freedom].”

His reiteration of his concerns underlines the junta’s determination that its reform plans must not be obstructed or questioned as it goes about setting up an interim government.

It also underscores Gen Prayuth’s determination to avoid a return of the discord that existed before the May 22 coup when, he said, the media played a part in spreading public confusion and hatred. – Read Full Story Here

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