Asia

Thai media demand gov't withdraw media regulation bill

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Thai video journalists working at Thai Journalists Association during the International World Press Freedom Day before a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. Thai media organizations have called on the government to withdraw a bill that would set up an appointed council to regulate print and online media, which along with journalists and contributors would be required to be licensed. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) (The Associated Press)

A Thai journalist walk past a banner at the Thai Journalists Association during the International World Press Freedom Day before a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. Thai media organizations have called on the government to withdraw a bill that would set up an appointed council to regulate print and online media, which along with journalists and contributors would be required to be licensed. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) (The Associated Press)

A Thai video journalist working at the Thai Journalists Association during the International World Press Freedom Day before press conference Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. Thai media organizations have called on the government to withdraw a bill that would set up an appointed council to regulate print and online media, which along with journalists and contributors would be required to be licensed. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) (The Associated Press)

Thai media organizations have called on the military government to withdraw a bill that would set up an appointed council to regulate print and online media and require journalists to be licensed or risk jail.

The Protection of Media Rights and Freedom, Ethics and Professional Standards Act was passed Monday by the National Reform Steering Assembly, a 200-member body appointed by the military after it took power in a 2014 coup.

Thirty Thai media organizations issued a joint statement Wednesday calling for withdrawal of the bill, which must get Cabinet and legislative approval before becoming law.

They say the bill's definition of who needs a license is too broad, and it restricts freedom of expression.