The Thai junta’s lawmakers have reached a consensus to prohibit journalists and the media from keep tracking of the constitutional drafting process, saying that it might affect the independency of the lawmakers.
According to Krungthepturakij News, Borwornsak Uwanno, the Chair of the Constitutional Drafting Committee (CDC), on Wednesday morning told members of the press to leave the room where the CDC meeting was taking place and announced that from now on no media outlets will be allowed into any CDC meeting on the draft constitution.
The CDC meeting was about amendments to the draft constitution related to energy and natural resources.
Borwornsak reasoned that the measure was necessary to allow CDC members to be independent and reduce pressure upon CDC members.
He added that in the past four months the CDC already allowed the media great freedom in observing the constitutional drafting process.
Currently, the draft constitution is back with the CDC, who have been given 60 days to amend the draft in accordance with suggestions from the National Reform Council (NRC).
Prachatai English is an independent, non-profit news outlet committed to covering underreported issues in Thailand, especially about democratization and human rights, despite pressure from the authorities. Your support will ensure that we stay a professional media source and be able to meet the challenges and deliver in-depth reporting.
• Simple steps to support Prachatai English
1. Bank transfer to account “โครงการหนังสือพิมพ์อินเทอร์เน็ต ประชาไท” or “Prachatai Online Newspaper” 091-0-21689-4, Krungthai Bank
2. Or, Transfer money via Paypal, to e-mail address: [email protected], please leave a comment on the transaction as “For Prachatai English”