However, people or groups seeking to do media work in the future would face tough restrictions before obtaining a permit, the panel, which is drafting a new media bill, said.

Professionals seeking to enter the media industry after the enactment of the new regulatory law would have to undergo training, examination and receiving a Key Performance Index evaluation, committee chairman ACM Kanit Suwannet said yesterday.

Details on the regulations would be laid out by the Media Professional Council that will be set up once the bill goes through Parliament, he said.

Current media professionals will get the licence automatically but would need to inform the council of their status within two years, Kanit said.

The media reform committee also adjusted composition of the professional council, increasing the number of members from 13 to 15. The two extra seats will be reserved for regional media representatives, raising the total number of media representatives to seven from previously five, he said.

Kanit said the committee will meet again next Monday and the finalised draft bill will go to the Reform Assembly whips next Thursday to decide when the bill will be deliberated by the NRSA.

More than 30 media organisations nationwide have opposed the bill and the setting up of the Media Professional Council, which would have authority to grant media licences.

Journalists and bosses of news outlets have said the media should be self-regulated rather than overseen by the council with political appointees.