The meeting was chaired by the new Phuket governor, Maitree Intusut, who made a speech to the reporters about morality and media ethics. He told the press they needed to realise the large effect they had on consumers.
Mr Maitree said that compared to his experience in other provinces, the Phuket Press Association works very effectively.
“Phuket has many news agencies with all kinds of television, radio, newspaper and online news in both Thai and English.”
“The Phuket press seems really ready to be a part of the upcoming AEC [Asean Economic Community],” he said, referring to the reporters’ good English skills and ability.
Dr Supaporn then gave a lecture about press laws, particularly around defamation which she said can often get the press into trouble.
She emphasised the importance of reporters thinking about morality, which she believed was more important as the source was at risk of getting into trouble.
“You should think of your source as a relative. If you wouldn’t do it to your relative, don’t do it to your source,” she said.