Parliament, Deputy Speaker of Kao Krai asks the government for choosing to silence the media. Is it because you're afraid of the truth? Advice on setting a good foundation for how to treat the media. After police arrested Prachatai reporter and freelance photographer Bring it to the meeting of the Political Development Committee on 15 February. Ms. Phakamon Noonanan, list MP and deputy spokesperson of the Progressive Party Referring to the case of police officers at the Royal Palace Police Station arresting field reporters. Prachathai News Agency and a freelance photographer on the charge of 'being a supporter of damaging historical sites by writing messages' as a political development commissioner. mass communication and public participation The House of Representatives said that this Thursday, February 15, there will be a meeting of the committee. This is a matter that is talked about a lot in society. Therefore, we think that the committee should be used as a forum for debate. that appropriateness Can it be done or not? Where is it? We will invite the Prachatai news agency that is a party to the government and the police. Most importantly, we want to see the stance of all media associations. I want to use the committee's platform for all 3 main parties involved to discuss their positions. Because after this, no one can guarantee that Will this happen again? Or will it happen to anyone? Whether it is a reporter with an agency citizen or independent At least the committee stage will be a starting point to show the principle that If something like this happens again How do we cope or continue to act? 'The Committee has coordinated with the Prachatai news agency. which the Prachatai News Agency is pleased to come and talk to What the committee does is act as a mediator for all parties. that didn't have a chance to talk But what happened today I don't want you to think that this is a specific group of people who are the media. As long as the media is affected Deprivation of rights and freedoms is the deprivation of freedom for the entire country. Not just one person Not just a photographer for a news agency One news agency But all of this is an attempt to block people's access to information. Today, what the government must confirm and establish is how to deal with the media. If you still insist on supporting human rights Rights and freedoms as previously spoken Today we must establish that The media is the people who present the facts. and side by side with people who come out to do anything that doesn't agree with the state Disagree with funds He is definitely not a party to the state. What you should do is if you don't support it. It should give him space to stand on duty. We reaffirm that we expect a civil state. What the government often says is that It is a government that is elected. Even though there is cross-breeding, I think the government led by Mr. Settha can choose that How will you act? Where do you stand in this society? As the leader of the country, how much do you support the right of expression? I t hink you can do it,' Ms. Phakamon said. As for worrying whether this kind of incident will happen again or not, Ms. Phakamon said that if we go back to the past Citizen journalists who come out to fight alongside and present the people's struggle against the state. Will be the first group to be silenced or ordered to be silent. Even in the past we expected that When there is an elected government There is a government that is on the side of democracy. We probably won't see that happen. But today it is clear that Things like this still happen. The part where there is doubt about the connection with the protesters Let it be a matter of proof. Because he came to speak like this Probably won't be able to convince the side who already believes. 'But what we are asking for is treatment of the media. The cameras of the press brethren are currently recording. Not one group of people But it is the people who send out information and facts. Whenever you choose to silence this group of people, It means that you choose to hide the truth. As the government, the leader of the country, the executive branch, are you a coward, afraid of the truth? This is a question that the government must answer,' Ms. Phakamon said. Source: Thai News Agency