Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva acknowledged yesterday the best role for the government in media reform was as a facilitator while avoiding direct involvement in the process.

In a meeting with Nation Multimedia Group editor-in-chief Suthichai Yoon and NMG editors, Abhisit was told the current self-regulatory structure, in the form of the Press Council of Thailand, could be a good self-monitoring tool when fast-flowing information has a great impact on the country’s political developments.

Abhisit said: “There is a general understanding that, as far as media go, the government would like to see professional umbrella groups and independent groups lead the way.”

Media reform is an essential part of Abhisit’s reconciliation road map, and the prime minister acknowledged there had been grey areas where freedom of information was concerned. He remained critical of the use of a doctored audio clip to depict him as a tyrant who plotted to kill Thai citizens.

Abhisit was told that a free media environment was beneficial to the country in the long run, and that action against media outlets accused of breaking the law must not be discriminatory.

“I don’t want to call media genuine or fake,” Abhisit said. “I’d rather call them professional media or otherwise. We have discussed this particular issue, especially in tandem with promotion or stimulation of violence.”

The prime minister insisted that the government had no problem whatsoever with “critical” media, but was concerned by the “hate campaign” taking place through media channels as well as social-media tools. “We welcome criticism, the more the better, as long as it does not lead to violence,” he said.

His government, however, has been both a victim and a beneficiary of a free-for-all media environment. Teetering on the brink after the April 10 bloodbath, the government benefited from video clips shared among social-media users and managed to bounce back politically. Both anti- and pro-government masses have been using social media to advance their causes.

The NMG editors also called on Abhisit to revitalise and promote the Official Information Act, which they said could help journalists’ investigative reporting and help counter misinformation tactics by any party.

Abhisit was accompanied by Prime Minister’s Office Minister Ong-art Klampaibul, who is at the front line in the government’s dealing with the mass media. Also joining the meeting were Abhisit’s adviser Apirak Kosayodhin, Kiat Sittheeamorn of the Office of Trade Representatives, and Panitan Wattanayagorn, deputy secretary-general to the prime minister.

“It was a very useful meeting, which gave us a good understanding of the directions of the media industry,” Abhisit said.

News item courtesy of The Nation at www.nationmultimedia.com