<p>Sorcery and religious rites that are deeply imbedded in Thai society have been in the spotlight as mainstream media outlets have joined hands with vigilantes to expose monastic malpractice and cults. Calls for professionalism that have long been overshadowed by competition for audiences have been sounded again.</p>

<p>We need to value and support the critical work of journalists countering the mis- and disinformation flooding our communications channels, especially during crises, conflicts, and elections. The good news is that when the media and civil society work together, they create a better information climate - and a healthier civic space - for us all.</p>

<p>Vocational Students Protecting the Institution have admitted that their members took part in assaults of a photojournalist and another citizen after a protest on 22 April. Despite the attacker being temporarily banished from the group, concerns remain over media safety and the likelihood of further hate crimes.</p>

<p>Independent photojournalist Natthaphon Phanphongsanon was attacked by 4 men near the Democracy Monument after a protest. Another journalist and a bystander were injured by pro-monarchists in another incident that took place shortly afterward.</p>

<p>The Cabinet approved the draft <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vjDJp8JqF6JtZObAae3ZojE8ul5i4jd_/view">Act on Media Ethics and Professional Standards</a> on 11 January, passing it on to join the queue for parliamentary debate and approval. In principle, it claims to support self-regulation by media professionals . But many still have concerns over it becoming another tool for censorship.</p>

<p>Academics, lawyers, a former Constitutional Court judge and a former television newsroom editor have discussed the Constitutional Court verdict outlawing the call for monarchy reform. Despite the different stances taken, the lèse majesté law and cultural values regarding the monarchy prove to have a serious effect on media freedom.</p>

<p>Amarat Chokepamitkul, an MP of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and member of the House Committee on Political Development, Mass Communications and Public Participation said the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) would be summoned to explain their request to the mainstream media to avoid covering news about monarchy reform.</p>

<p>The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has warned the media against reporting on calls for monarchy reform after the Constitutional Court ruled that such messages are treasonous.</p>

<p>To mark the 9th International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEA) on 2 November, media workers from around Southeast Asia gathered together with international stakeholders to consider the how best to overcome prevailing constraints on regional media - legal, political and cultural.</p>