Following the sentencing of Myanmar Now photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaike to 20 years in prison for dissemination of false information and sedition for reporting on the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha, the Press Freedom Monitoring in Southeast Asia (PFMSea) calls for an immediate and unconditional release of all journalists who have been detained or imprisoned in Myanmar for doing their job.

Bangkok, 26th September 2023— "Media Transformation in Shifting Scenarios," a public forum organised by Prachatai, took note of the challenging landscape faced by mass media workers in an age of political polarisation. Media professionals continue to face multiple threats, from legal restrictions and surveillance to censorship and risks to personal safety. These challenges, in turn, have had a significant impact on media workers’ freedom of expression. The seminar raises a crucial question: following the change of government, can meaningful change be anticipated?

<p>While Prachatai English joins other public figures in demanding an end to violence against activists, and calling on the police to take more effective measures to halt the impunity, we are more concerned with an issue often underestimated: hate speech that justifies assaults against activists.</p>

<div>Although the emergence of new political parties has brought excitement, controversies and hope to Thai politics ahead of the long-awaited election, the overall freedom of expression remains at a concerning level.</div> <div> </div> <div>For almost a month after the registration of new political parties began, Thai politics has immediately become very vibrant as it is heated with the fire of passion of the new generation. The emergence of left-leaning parties has brought hype to the Thai political scene. </div>

<div><p>The movement against the ruling junta has been reignited after the recent protests calling for elections at the MBK department store and the Democracy Monument, but the public seems to be overlooking one of its primary goals, which is to stop the junta from staying in power.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><div>Since late January, the group of activists called the Democracy Restoration Group (DRG) have staged three political activities, which have led to the prosecution of over 70 individuals.</div></div>