The former guidelines lacked a clear scope and definition for foreign journalists and that reportedly led to “misuse”, with holders of media visas working on unrelated fields, spokesman Sek Wannamethee said.

The move wasn’t suppression of the media or intended to restrict, forbid or limit foreign media, Sek said. As of January, there were over 500 foreigners applying for media visas but less than 10 per cent would be affected.

Photographers working for news agencies registered with a competent agency – either Thai or a foreign government – would not be affected.

People ineligible for a media visa would be advised to apply for another appropriate category and related agencies would be informed of the grace period, as stated in the revised guidelines, he said.

The revision was based on extensive research of media visa requirements from various countries and discussions with related parties including executive members of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand to ensure transparency and a procedure of international standard, he said.

In regard to some foreign photographers being denied media visas, the ministry advised them to apply for other appropriate visas, such as non-immigrant type “B” (for business and work). If they needed to use a media card to work for a news agency, they could apply with the ministry, which would inform related agencies to issue a media card for them, he added.

The new guidelines are due to take effect from March 21.

Meanwhile, former minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul yesterday urged the Foreign Ministry to carefully think about whether it would be better to have foreign journalists reporting news in Thailand freely and without having to hide stories about the lack of democracy.

“Don’t forget that the world these days is borderless, it is difficult to shut people’s eyes and ears,” he said.

“Currently many countries are interested in Thai political changes and foreign investors are following Thailand closely via these foreign media.

“If we only let reporters that write in favour of the government in [and] disregard the honest presentation of facts, it could lead to more harm than good.

“I want the country’s administrators to think it through. Don’t let Thailand be perceived as trying to close the international community’s eyes and ears out of fear that they would know what is going on, because they might not accept us,” he said.