The Thai Journalists Association (TJA) has raised concerns over actions by the Prime Minister’s communications team, following an incident on June 6 that the association says could amount to press intimidation. The warning comes after journalists were photographed and recorded while posing questions to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during a media interaction in Surin province.
According to a TJA statement released on June 11, the incident occurred shortly after a National Security Council meeting held in Kap Choeng district. A government staff member reportedly took photos of a journalist who was questioning the Prime Minister about Thai–Cambodian border tensions. The images, later posted online, were accompanied by critical commentary about the journalist’s line of questioning. This prompted widespread public discussion and concern.
The TJA argued that such practices may undermine press freedom by discouraging open inquiry, particularly within areas under government control. The association emphasized that targeted photography and online publication of reporters’ images—especially when paired with negative commentary—can be perceived as a form of pressure. In democratic societies, the TJA stated, journalists must be allowed to operate independently and without fear of retaliation.
The incident followed an earlier exchange on June 4 at Government House, where the Prime Minister appeared visibly irritated by a question regarding alleged incursions by Cambodian troops into Thai territory. Video clips of the interaction, including the Premier’s sarcastic remarks toward the reporter, circulated widely on social media and elicited varied public reactions.
Citing ongoing tension between government officials and members of the press, the TJA urged the Prime Minister’s communications team to avoid actions that could be interpreted as harassment or attempts to undermine journalistic independence. The association also called for a reaffirmation of press freedom and encouraged all parties to support independent reporting as a vital component of democratic governance.
Several members of the media noted that they were being recorded during the June 6 exchange. Questions were reportedly raised on-site about the identity of the journalist involved and her media affiliation. The subsequent publication of these images—accompanied by criticism from political supporters—prompted the TJA to issue its public statement.
