With apologies for cross posting: 

 

Press Statement

 

World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters, AMARC, concerned for
Community Radios in Thailand

 

June 16, 2014, Kathmandu. The World Association of Community Radio
Broadcasters, AMARC, has expressed concern over reports of the recent
closure of media outlets in Thailand and especially at the restrictions
imposed on community radios. Media reports indicate that a large number of
broadcasters, including community radios, were suspended after the military
takeover. 

 

Although, it is heartening to learn from more recent reports that
approximately 500 licensed community radios are preparing to resume
broadcast at the behest of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication
Commission (NBTC).

 

Speaking on the issue, Maica Lagman, President of AMARC Asia-Pacific has
called upon the Thai junta to take cognizance of the invaluable
contributions that community radios can offer towards inclusive dialogue and
peace-building. "I earnestly urge the Thai military to let the community
radios resume broadcast without further delay, so that dialogues at
community levels can resume, and all sections of the society can participate
in a positive resolution of the problems Thailand is facing currently.
Community radios in other parts of Asia-Pacific as well as throughout the
world are recognized for their contribution towards fostering dialogue and
peace, and Thailand must take advantage of its community radios in this
regard. Also, any impedance on community broadcasting is an impedance over
freedom of expression of the people and this must be avoided," Ms. Lagman
has said.  

 

Ms. Lagman also expressed her concern over the content restriction under the
martial law which poses negative impact to the essence of community radios
as a medium for local voices. "If conversations through this channel are
limited only to commercial or entertaining content, the limitation will
gradually undermine the value of community radios. We believe that community
radio is one of the most effective tools for political expression. Such is
why each community needs its own community station," she has said. 

 

AMARC calls on the Thai military to return to the democratic process,
respect human rights and fundamental freedoms including press freedom, and
create a conducive environment for community radio stations in Thailand to
operate free from restriction or fear. 

 

-END-

Through service to its members, networking and project implementation, the
World Association of Community Radios, AMARC brings together more than 4,000
community radios, federations and community radio partners in more than 130
countries. The main impact of AMARC since its foundation in 1983 has been to
accompany and support the establishment of a global community radio sector.
AMARC does lobbying and advocacy for the right to communication
internationally, nationally and at the local and neighborhood levels, and
defends and promotes the interests of the community radio movement through
solidarity, networking and cooperation. For more information, please contact
Suman Basnet, Regional Coordinator for Asia-Pacific,
[log in to unmask] or visit http://ap.amarc.org/.

 

_________________ 

Suman Basnet

Regional Coordinator

AMARC Asia Pacific

Kathmandu, Nepal

Email:  <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
[log in to unmask] 

Web:  <http://ap.amarc.org/> http://ap.amarc.org/

 

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