Report on Community Radio Intervention under Emergency Decree

The Emergency Decree on Government Administration in States of Emergency has been enforced since April 2010 and a number of community radio stations have been shut down by invoking the law. In the Campaign for Popular Media Reform -CPMR’s report on freedom of the community radio, it was found that 26 community radio stations in nine provinces were ordered to shut down during the enforcement of the Emergency Decree between 7 April – 7 July 2010. Six of them decided to shut down their operation, and 84 stations in 12 provinces have been blacklisted. In addition, 35 radio presenters, committee members or chief operators have been pressed with charges and prosecuted. The raid on the community radio stations usually involved security forces from 50-500 officials including police, army and administrative officials. During the raid, the transmitters, power lines and other broadcasting equipment shall be subject to confiscation.

During a Semniar on 14 July 2010, which was organised to discuss the topic of Community Radios under Emergency Decree, one of the most essential issues discussed was related to the draconian measure of the officials to invoce the Emergency Decree and the lack of accountability. The seminar was organized by CPMR in collaboration with the Human Rights Study and Social Development Center, Mahidol University, Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University, National Federation of Community Radio and Thai Volunteer Services. Speakers included representatives from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), law academics, journalists, and human rights activists. For further information, please check out www.media4democracy.com .