President's statement on World Press Freedom Day

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the challenges journalists face in this region and around the world. Today is a day to remember those journalists who lost their lives in the pursuit of a story. It is also a day to celebrate good journalism that keeps people better informed in this age of "post-truth", particularly those stories that shed light on injustice.

Here in Thailand, which ranked 115 out of 180 countries in this year's press freedom index compiled by Reporters Without Borders, more can be done by the authorities and other stakeholders to improve the country's media landscape.  Journalists should be able to do their work freely to keep the public informed without fear of harassment, intimidation or attempted coercion by the powerful.  

In neighboring Myanmar, the military coup last year and its aftermath has completely shattered the burgeoning media landscape. News organisations have been banned, journalists have been imprisoned and tortured - and some even killed for doing their jobs. I would like to take this opportunity to praise frontline reporters in Myanmar who continue to do their work in a very risky environment, speak truth to power and who keep the world informed about what is really going on.

For journalists everywhere, there is also now the realization that we must work even harder to verify facts and maintain balance in this age of saturated information. At this challenging time, we must celebrate good journalism, value press freedom even more and protect freedom of speech.  

Panu Wongcha-Um
President, FCCT