JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 16, 2018
Join our WhatsApp channelUmesh Pandey, the editor of the Bangkok Post, announced on Tuesday, May 15, that he was removed from the position after the board asked him to ‘tone down’ his critical coverage of Thailand’s ruling military government.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has strongly criticized the decision by the board of directors and questioned the editorial independence of the staff.
Umesh Pandey has been the editor of Thailand’s largest English-language newspaper since July 2016, and his current two-year contract was due to expire in 60 days.
However, Pandey said that the board of directors asked him to ‘tone down’ the newspaper’s reporting and editorials about the military government, particularly suppression of freedom of speech and delays on elections. In a Facebook post, Pandey said that he was removed as editor for refusing to ‘bow’ to the board's request, but remained with the company in another role.
“The hard-hitting news that we have produced in the 22-months of my leadership is a testament to what we as a team that is down by nearly 60 people have managed to achieve. The ‘Poll Countdown’ the editorials, the news and everything that we have done has been to push Bangkok Post to be a world-class news media outlet. But when asked to ‘tone down’ I did not budge and was blunt in letting those making the decision that I rather lose my position than to bow my head. The axe finally came down on me just 60-days before my 2-year contract ended,” Pandey said on his Facebook.
Pandey’s removal comes just one week after Peace TV; a local Thai broadcaster was shut down for 30 days for provoking anti-junta sentiment. According to The Guardian, Pandey’s editorial on May 14 regarding the Peace TV ban was a particular source of contention.
The IFJ said: “The media in Thailand continues to work in a volatile environment, where journalists are faced with either being targeted for their reporting or having to self-censor to ensure their safety and livelihood. Press freedom in Thailand has been under attack for a number of years, and the removal of Umesh Pandey is the latest example of how critical and outspoken voices are being silenced. We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Thailand who continue to fight for press freedom.” – IFJ media release/ Photo courtesy: asia.nikkei.com
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.