A panel vetting the media reform bill has agreed to drop the requirement that journalists have a licence to operate but not the setup of a media superbody. ACM Kanit Suwannate, chairman of the National Reform Assembly (NRSA)'s Media Reform Committee, made the announcement on Sunday. The licence requirement of reporters was one of the two contentious issues of the bill. However, the other issue of concern remained -- the composition of the National Media Profession Council, which would have senior government officials among its members. ACM Kanit said the cancellation of the professional licence requirement is regarded as a step back to meet opponents of the bill halfway.

Source: Bangkok Post April 30, 2017 09:56 UTC