<div> <div>After approval of the junta’s controversial media bill by the National Reform Council (NRC), three consumer rights organisations have demanded that the bill be scrapped to protect Thailand’s democratic values.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>On 2 May 2017, a network of consumer rights organisations consisting of the Foundation for Consumers, the Confederation of Consumer Organisations and the Independent Committee for Consumer Protection issued <a href="http://www.indyconsumers.org/main/media-telecom-151/680-press-02052560-001.html">a statement</a> denouncing the <a> </a></div></div>

<div> <div>The junta’s National Reform Council (NRC) has <a href="http://www.tnamcot.com/view/59070b7be3f8e4ce4c20d436">given the green light</a> to a controversial bill that would subject the Thai media to a licensing system. </div></div>

<div><a href="http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/1191509/media-control-bill-suspended">Two weeks ago</a>, the whip committee of the junta’s National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) temporarily rejected the <a href="http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/6947">Protection of Media Rights and Freedom, Ethics and Professional Standards Bill</a>, following strong opposition from the 30 media organisations. </div>

<div>Senior journalists have denounced the junta&rsquo;s controversial Media Bill, arguing the junta wishes to entrench itself in power rather than promote truth and responsible media.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>On 22 February 2017, a panel of senior journalists and media officials at the Foreign Correspondents&rsquo; Club of Thailand warned that severe new media regulations proposed by the junta represent the military&rsquo;s ambitions to maintain an influence in Thai politics even after the country transitions to a democratic system.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Thepchai Yong, the President of the Thai Broadcas</div>