Thailand

After the military rule gradually yielded to a parliamentary system in the 1980s, critical journalism appeared to take root in Thailand. The country boasted one of the most vibrant and diverse mediascape, despite the prevalence of authoritarianism, in Southeast Asia until the 2005–2006 political turmoil. Biting criticism of the government was common in Thai media, especially in the press. Due to private ownership, the Thai press has enjoyed more freedom from state control than television and radio, which have been either owned or regulated by state agencies. In 1997, the Information Act was passed along with the promulgation of the new constitution to protect the freedom of information. The same year, the National Press Council of Thailand was founded as an independent agency to improve ...