Thai government agrees to inquiry into journalists' deaths but keeps quiet over CCTV footage

Thailand has responded to international calls for an independent investigation into the deaths of foreign journalists during recent violence in the country.

In a letter to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Sek Wannamethee, deputy chief of mission at Thailand's Washington-based embassy, said the Thai cabinet had appointed former Attorney-General Professor Dr Kanit na Nakorn as chair of an independent committee to investigate the clashes between the military and anti-government protestors.

Wannamethee adds that the National Human Rights Commission and the National Anti-Corruption Commission, independent constitutional bodies in Thailand, are also conducting investigations into the violence.

The letter comes in response to the CPJ's calls for an independent investigation into the violence and deaths of several international and domestic journalists covering the unrest. In a letter to the Thai Prime Minister on Abhisit Vejjajiva, CPJ director Joel Simon referred to the deaths of freelance Italian photojournalist Fabio Polenghi in May and Reuters cameraman Hiro Muramoto in April and asked for CCTV footage of events in the build-up to Muramoto's death be released.

"The Royal Thai Government regrets the loss of life that occurred, including the deaths of two foreign journalists/photographers. All cases, including those of foreign journalists, are being investigated," says Wannamethee's letter.

"Thailand fully respects the freedom of the press' Given the recent situation, media restrictions have been applied, but only to the extent necessary to protect public order by preventing the unlawful use of the press as mediums to manipulate and incite violence and hatred among people, which unfortunately contributed towards the violence over the past two months.

"I wish to emphasise that Thailand takes very seriously the safety of journalists, Thai and foreign. It fully recognises the important role of the professional media in reporting an accurate picture of the situation. It thus accorded freedom and kept open access for the media to report on events during the political unrest, including security operations, even with the Emergency Decree in effect at the same time, the security forces made every effort to inform the press and the public of the dangers they faced especially due to the presence and activities of armed elements infiltrating among the protesters. The government agencies concerned have also been in contact with the Foreign Correspondent's Club of Thailand (FCCT) to find ways to enhance the security and safety of joumalists working in Thailand."

Commenting on the detention of Thai journalist Somyot Prueksakasemsuk following the violence, which had been raised by the CPJ's letter to the Thai President, Wannamethee says his case "will proceed in accordance with due process of law" and that the editor was held because of press conferences and statements issued “to incite further anti-government activities" at the end of the protests.

"While Sek's reply reflected a sophisticated understanding of Thailand's obligations under international law, CPJ is concerned that the government-appointed investigatory committee, led by former Attorney General Khanit na Nakhon, will not prioritise bringing the perpetrators of the recent violence to justice," says Shawn W. Crispin, CPJ's Southeast Asia representative.

"We are concerned that record of inaction may have influenced Sek's decision not to respond to our letter's request that the government release closed-circuit television footage in its possession of the area where journalist Muramoto was shot and killed on 10 April. We reiterate here our request that the government make that footage and any other relevant information in the recent deaths and injuries of journalists available to investigators, diplomats, and journalists."

Free daily newsletter

If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).