Note: this event will take place in person in Bangkok, but will be live-streamed via the FCCT Facebook page (see details below).
Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of democratic rule. With a global pandemic reshaping the world economy and social interactions, and in Thailand underpinning renewed protests, this is an especially important time to support journalists as they carry out their difficult yet essential work.
Thai media, like their counterparts in Southeast Asia, are facing a growing number of challenges, from censorship to judicial harassment. According to Reporters Without Borders, Thailand’s press global freedom ranking stands at 140 out of 179, having dropped four places since 2019.
It is important that governments work towards creating an enabling environment for media freedom. That is why, last year, the United Kingdom and Canada, current co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition, conceived this informal grouping at the 2019 Global Conference for Media Freedom in London. The coalition now comprises 37 countries across the globe, although none from Southeast Asia.
Ahead of the second Global Conference for Media Freedom, the Canadian and British embassies to Thailand are organizing a special panel discussion on the Thai media landscape. The discussion will cover the practice of journalism in Thailand, ethics, self-regulation, challenges, and threats, and examine the way forward.
Keynote speakers:
H.E. Dr. Sarah Taylor, Ambassador of Canada to Thailand
H.E. Brian Davidson, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to
Thailand
Panelists:
Banyong Suwanpong, Head of Media Ethics Committee, Thai
Journalists AssociationPravit Rojanaphruk, Senior staff writer, Khaosod English
Anon Chawalawan, Head of Freedom of Expression
Documentation Center, iLawPongpan Chumjai, Executive director, Prachatai
Hathairat Phaholtap, Editor, Isaan Record
Moderator: Panu Wongcha-um, Senior correspondent, Reuters
Click here for more information. This event will be live-streamed via the FCCT Facebook page.