Despite the current extraordinary rule that imposes tight media control and regulations, the press must carry on its job as a watchdog, said Thepchai Yong, president of the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association (TBJA) on Tuesday after the three-hour discussion with the military at the Defence Ministry.

The media was ready to reflect views from all sides to bring back peace and harmony to society, he said.

The key concern raised by the military in regard to reconciliation buildฌing, however, stems from the fact that the media is perceived as political tools that cause social division, he said.

In response, Thepchai said the media had not provoked conflicts themฌselves, but there was interference and abuse by political powers to create tension for political gain. So, media regulators needed to enforce the law seriously.

Thepchai said the five associations were united against the media regulatory bill proposed by the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA). Setting up a professional council would open the door for political interference that could lead to unfavourable division, he said.

The controversial bill would allow permanent secretaries to sit on the media council as well as media professionals. The media has always opposed the bill over concerns that the state officials would be proxies of politicians, posing a threat to their freedom and independence.

“In fact, in a democratic society, conflicting opinions are normal. But they should not lead to hatred” he said. “And the mainstream media will not like having a part in causing dissent,” Thepchai said.

Ten veteran media professionals from the TBJA, Thai Journalists Association, Press Council, News Broadcasting Council and Society Online News Provider, represented the media at the reconciliation forum.

Thepchai said reconciliation could be realised if all sides were sincere and determined. They may also need to make some sacrifice or take some steps back. If they only seek to gain, reconciliation could not be achieved, he said.