Parliamentarians have backed a bill aimed at promoting media ethics and professional standards, while a media organisation has opposed it, saying it could restrict media freedoms.
A joint sitting of MPs and senators was convened to deliberate the bill proposed by the cabinet in the first reading yesterday.
Pheu Thai Party MP for Bangkok, Jirayu Huangsap, said the general principle of the bill is acceptable, though some of its sections need to be revised, particularly those regarding penalties and the definition of the media.
However, Mr Jirayu said he was unsure whether the bill could pass the first reading considering the frequent cancellations of House meetings due to a lack of quorums.
The bill may not be passed soon enough as this parliament's final session ends on Feb 28, he said, adding that deliberation may have to resume after the formation of a new parliament after the next general election.
The thrust of the bill is that a national council of media professionals would be established for the "self-regulation" of media organisations in line with the law and international standards and professional ethics.
Under the bill, people working at state-run media organisations can refuse to carry out instructions from bosses that violate media ethics without fear of punishment for insubordination.
Senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn said he supports the bill, adding it was vetted by senior media members and the Council of State, which is the government's legal advisory body.
Moreover, the bill does not contain content that allows the government to control the media, he said.
However, the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association (TBJA) issued a statement opposing the bill, saying the cabinet tabled the bill to parliament urgently without hearing feedback from concerned parties, particularly members of the media.
The TBJA disagreed with the proposal to establish the media council, saying it would restrict media freedom.