The Board urges the military to allow the Thai press to report unhindered on the developing situation in the country, without fear of official reprisal, risk of arrest, or worse. The Board is seriously concerned by reports that the Thai press have been muzzled in their attempts to provide accurate coverage of the on-going situation and urges the military to recognise the necessary role of the media in providing essential information to the Thai people in this time of crisis.

The Board of WAN-IFRA reminds the Thai military that without a free press, any hope of a swift return to democratic rule is impossible. A free press is the cornerstone upon which a free and open society is built; without it, all fundamental rights are endangered.

The Board of WAN-IFRA therefore calls on the Thai military authorities to guarantee the independence of a free press and to provide better protection to journalists covering the enfolding events.