The Asia Media Forum invites journalists and media experts to participate in the ‘Asia Media Conclave 2009′ to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from March 25 to 27, 2009.
With ‘Media in the Time of Crisis’ as this year’s theme, the conclave is expected to discuss the implications of the ongoing crises in the economy, environment, food and governance, and come up with proposals to address said issues. In Asia, increasing instances of terrorism, deficit of democracy and potential risk of conflict and natural calamities, and their impact on the media will also be discussed.
Kavi Chongkittavorn of The Nation is the chair of the organising committee. I’m sure he’ll be pushing hard for some frank discussion on the crackdown on free speech that is occuring in Thailand.
4 responses so far ↓
1 Frank G Anderson // Feb 11, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Someone asked about prominent people petitioning for changes to the lese majeste law. Yes, on 26 January 2009 a gorup of 38 senators asked for a meeting to work out more rigid and enhanced enforcement of the law.
2 Ralph Kramden // Feb 11, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Frank: I asked about this, and I had heard that something more positive was being arranged. It maybe that it is the list that is publicised by rabid royalists-PADites at:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=24593#post24593
Note the Manager stories claiming treason and so on.
3 Pokpong Lawansiri // Feb 16, 2009 at 3:49 am
But Kavi is a supporter of both the PAD and the Democrat Party. I doubt if he is going to do much.
If you have been reading the Nation for the past months, it looks as if the paper has been the mouthpiece of the PAD and the Democrat. There is Pravit, however, who is perhaps the only one criticises the PAD and the Democrat.
4 Chris // Feb 19, 2009 at 9:35 pm
FYI………..the “Charter” for the Asia Media Conclave to be held in Bangkok March 25 thru 27th (of which Kavi Chongkittavorn of The Nation and apparently a PAD supporter is the Thai Representative/Coordinator):
———————————————————————
Asia Media Forum Charter
We, the participants of Asia Media Forum in Bangkok, Thailand,
17-19 December 2006:
1) Recall Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media, and regardless of frontiers”,
2) Stand for human dignity, human rights, gender equity, social justice, equitable economic progress and a participatory and democratic polity,
3) Recall the United Nations Millennium Declaration that sets out a human rights-based approach to development, in which participation and transparency in decision-making, empowerment and accountability play a key role,
4) Stress that Asian media has a crucial role to play in promoting key elements of just, democratic and accountable governance, including the rule of law, independent and pluralistic media is important to ensure transparency and civic participation as fundamental elements of human rights-based development and poverty reduction,
5) Emphasise that solidarity and co-operation among Asian media and journalists would promote better understanding and closer cooperation among Asian countries and their peoples as well as articulate shared visions and raise professional standards,
6) Empower journalists to resist censorship in all forms,
7) Support the greater participation and empowerment of women and diverse voices in media ;
We unanimously call upon Asian journalists, media practitioners, outlets and associations:
a) To commit ourselves to the highest standards of professional ethics, media freedom and media education,
b) To put in place mechanisms, sufficient resources and personnel to promote professional journalism, first-hand news gathering and to investigate stories,
c) To commit ourselves to raise public awareness and understanding about corruption, human rights violations, other abuse of power and increasing the space in the media to highlight democratic deficits and issues affecting the large sections of excluded and marginalised people,
d) To report fairly and professionally on conflict situations within the region,
e) To build a platform for interaction, shared learning and interregional co-operation to promote ethical, substantive, inclusive and non-discriminatory media in the region
f) To create a space for exchanging ideas, news, information and views on democracy, development and human rights,
g) To strive for providing safety for journalists and to hold respective governments and media organisations responsible for the safety of journalists and to end the culture of impunity which encourages murder, intimidation, harassment and other attacks on journalists,
j) To strive to create an environment where media messages are shaped by the needs of the people rather than commercialism,
k) To strive for greater freedom of movement for journalists across Asia
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