BANGKOK, July 25 (TNA) – Thailand’s leading media organizations have issued a joint statement expressing deep concern for civilian and journalist safety following intensified border clashes with Cambodia, which have resulted in casualties and property damage.
The National Press Council, Thai Journalists Association, and Union of Journalists Thailand called for an end to further loss of life and urged journalists operating in high-risk zones to exercise extreme caution, adhere to official advice, and strictly follow established guidelines for conflict reporting.
The statement outlined seven key principles for responsible journalism during conflict. These include a mandate for factual reporting, avoiding content that incites hatred or prejudice, and exercising caution with graphic imagery to respect human dignity. Media outlets are also urged to clearly source all information, especially from social media, and provide context for archive footage. Crucially, journalists must avoid disclosing strategic or tactical details that could compromise security operations.
The media bodies emphasized the importance of humanitarian principles, human rights, and international laws of war in all reporting, advocating for the distinction between civilian and military targets and proper treatment of prisoners.
They stressed the need to differentiate between the people and the government, encouraging diverse sourcing beyond official channels to foster good relations between the two nations’ populations.
The statement concluded with a call for both governments to resolve the conflict peacefully and a strong recommendation for journalists to prioritize their safety by avoiding active combat zones and coordinating closely with their newsrooms to assess risks. -819 (TNA)
