The media reform panel was scheduled to convene a meeting on Tuesday to go through the bill’s various resolutions after the NRSA whip had requested a revision of the bill following opposition by major media groups, including the Thai Journalists Association.

The chairman of media reform committee, ACM Khanit Suwannet, insisted it was necessary to establish a media professionals council.

He said as the new constitution ensured freedom of the press, the new media professionals council would not curb media freedoms but would oversee ethical issues.

Media professionals nationwide opposed the bill, especially the establishment of the council, which would issue media licences.

On Monday, the panel revealed it had finalised the conditions governing the licensing of media personnel and failure to register would result in penalties of up to two years in jail or a fine of up to Bt60,000.

The finalised draft law, delayed from last month’s deadline, is expected to be presented to the NRSA’s whip first, before proceeding to an NRSA meeting for endorsement.

It would then be forwarded to the Cabinet, which would submit it to the National Legislative Assembly for deliberation before it came into effect.