Emergency law in Thailand will further erode press freedom: IFJ

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 5 years ago

The military-backed government in Thailand imposed a one-month state of emergency on March 26 to control COVID-19, allowing authorities to impose restrictions on the media.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned all forms of pressure for press freedom taken by the government amid the global health crisis.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha said the state of emergency would increase the country’s efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic that has infected hundreds of people in the region. The decree gives the prime minister powers to take down articles and shut down media houses if authorities considered the news item to cause unrest or frighten people.

Further, the prime minister called on the media outlets to verify and check the facts with a special communications team, consisting of medical experts who will hold daily press briefings. The prime minister emphasized enforcement would be stricter to tackle the ‘improper use of social media.’

The Disease Control Department (DCD) projected the number of COVID-19 infections might reach  3,000 by the end of April. The DCD on March 26 reported 111 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total of positive patients to 1,045. Four people have died from Coronavirus in Thailand.

According to the Bangkok Post, the government has been criticised by citizens and the media for failing to take strong action to tackle the spread of COVID-19. The article states people believe the government lacks transparency, which is essential to tackle the virus.

The IFJ said: “Strong attempts to fight the coronavirus pandemic must not sacrifice press freedoms or freedom of speech. The IFJ condemns the governments’ response, urging the prime minister to resolve the virus instead of imposing media restrictions.”—IFJ media release/Photo: AFP

Explore Further

Faisal Chaudhry’s viral one-liner on G for Gharidah steals the show

 November 05, 2025: PTI’s Faisal Chaudhry’s witty reply to Gharidah Farooqi on GTV’s “G for Gharidah” goes viral as a clip from their debate over the 27th Amendment sparks reactions online.

A digital dream falters: Nukta cuts 37 jobs in Pakistan after only one year

 November 05, 2025: Digital platform Nukta lays off 37 employees in Pakistan, including journalists and producers, highlighting the financial struggles facing new media ventures in a shrinking job market.

Talat Hussain says offensive viral clip was edited out, not aired on Samaa TV

 November 04, 2025: Talat Hussain denies airing the viral clip showing Sher Afzal Marwat’s vulgar remark, saying it was not part of his Samaa TV show.

PFUJ recalls November 3, 2007 emergency as Pakistan’s darkest day

 November 03, 2025: PFUJ recalls November 3, 2007, as Pakistan’s darkest day under Musharraf, urging protection for journalists and the abolition of laws threatening press freedom.

PFUJ calls for end to Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

 November 02, 2025: PFUJ urges Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments to end Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists and ensure their safety and press freedom.

Global impunity for journalist murders worsens as Pakistan sees 60 percent rise in attacks

 November 02, 2025: Impunity for crimes against journalists deepens worldwide as Pakistan reports a 60 percent surge in attacks and weak enforcement of safety laws.

Pakistan Press Foundation documents 137 attacks on journalists in 2025

 November 01, 2025: Pakistan Press Foundation reports 137 attacks on journalists in 2025, highlighting rising threats, legal harassment, and censorship on the International Day to End Impunity.

Anchor Talat Hussain laughs as Marwat makes vulgar comment on air

 November 01, 2025: A viral Samaa TV clip featuring MNA Sher Afzal Marwat’s crude remarks and Talat Hussain’s laughter raises questions about the declining ethics of Pakistani television.