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Media under attack in Thai protests |
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by Usa Pichai
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Friday, 10 April 2009 12:57 |
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - Several journalists have been threatened while reporting onsite from anti-government mass demonstrations, amidst fears of a clash between authorities and protesters.
Southeast Asian Press Alliance reported on Thursday that three Thai broadcast journalists were attacked in three separate incidents by opposition demonstrators, dubbed "Red Shirts", during a massive protest rally in Bangkok meant as a final bid to pressure the government of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Privy Councilor General Prem Tinsulanonda to resign.
According to the Thai Journalists Association (TJA), the demonstrators accused the broadcast journalists of unfair reporting, though the reporters deny the charge.
In the first incident, at around 11 a.m., Chanel 3 reporter Varunee Suesatsakulchai was heckled and pelted with plastic water bottles by angry protesters as she was reporting live near the residence of the Privy Councilor. Security guards at the demonstration escorted her to a Channel 3 van parked nearby. However, the van was later surrounded by demonstrators for 40 minutes before policemen dispersed the mob. Protesters further punctured the tires of two Channel 3 vehicles.
Meanwhile, a middle-aged female protester screamed at Nation News Agency reporter Sathien Viriyapongsa because he allegedly made a false report concerning the rally. He was later forced to leave the area when he saw a bigger crowd of protesters approaching him.
Viriyapongsa said police at the site told him not to report while protesters were listening. “It’s difficult because we are doing fieldwork. I was scared and unsure that the officials were able to protect us in that situation,” he said, according to a statement from TJA.
Additionally, demonstrators attacked Channel 7 reporter Somphote Thoraksa and his crew who were also in the vicinity, accusing them of erroneous reporting. Somphote, who denied the accusation, was forced to leave the area along with his crew.
Demonstration leaders denied responsibility for the attacks and instead blamed saboteurs.
TJA Vice President Wanchai Wongmeechai and Thai Broadcast Journalists Association (TBJA) President Korkhet Chantalertlak expressed concern over the attacks. "The incidents create a climate of fear and anxiety among journalists who are covering the demonstration," Kokhet said, according to a statement from the groups.
Korkhet appealed to the leaders of the demonstration to respect the journalists’ right to work.
Wanchai also urged the leaders of the demonstration and the police to provide concrete safety protection measures for journalists covering the rally. At the same time, he urged the reporters covering the rally to report the incident without bias and to exercise caution.
The situation in Bangkok remains tense today, with thousands of protesters still gathered at the transportation center, causing the Thai Prime Minister to announce a public holiday for Friday.
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