Thai Authorities to Stamp Out 'Provocative Questions' From Reporters

Thailand’s officials will assemble over 200 national and foreign reporters to "explain how to ask questions to avoid distorting facts".

BANGKOK (Sputnik) – Thailand’s ruling National Council for Peace and Order will assemble over 200 national and foreign media members next week to conduct a primer on "provocative questions," a senior military communications official said Tuesday.

"We must explain to journalists how to ask questions to avoid distorting facts," Lt. Gen. Suchart Pongput said at a press briefing broadcast on Thai TV3 national television.

Next week’s assembly at the national police headquarters follows a series of run-ins with the media involving Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. In late March, the Thai leader joked that media members may face "execution" for reporting that does not meet the standards of the ruling junta.

Chan-o-cha established the NCPO after leading a coup in May 2014. Several crackdowns, including banned public gatherings and heavy media restrictions, followed the introduction of martial law in the country.

"There has been no order from any of my bosses, but it is my duty to build healthy relationships and mutual understanding with the media," Lt. Gen. Suchart, commander of the Army's Signal Department, said at Tuesday’s briefing.

He stated that the military will conduct similar meetings with the media on a regular basis to avoid further incidents.