New media ombudsman set up
In-House Media ombudsmen were officially introduced for the first time on May 17 by the National Press Council of Thailand to improve effective self-regulation of the industry. The move came as the state has attempted to introduce a new media regulation bill that media groups oppose, citing possible state interference and infringements on press freedom. The ombudsman body is primarily aimed at expediting the process to handle complaints, which would allow outsiders to influence decisions regarding the media’s performance. In an introductory press conference on May 17, NPCT president Chavarong Limpattamapanee said each ombudsman committee established within media outlets would include media owners, editors and journalists, but also outside experts in the media, legal and consumer-protection fields.
