The Lawyers Council has partnered with six media organizations to sign an MOU to help journalists fight lawsuits and prevent intimidation of their rights to verify facts.
On 7 May 2026 at the Lawyers Council under Royal Patronage, a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Lawyers Council and six professional media organizations: the National Press Council, the Thai Journalists Association, the Radio and Television News Professionals Council, the Thai Radio and Television Journalists Association, the Isra Institute under the Foundation for Media Development of Thailand, and the Online News Producers Association. This cooperation aims to provide legal assistance and promote academic support for journalists who perform their duties in good faith but face legal harassment.
The purpose of this collaboration stems from the media’s duty to present facts for society’s benefit. In many cases, honest reporting may affect the interests of individuals or organizations, leading to interference or misuse of the justice system through lawsuits intended to intimidate and silence the media, known as strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP). This causes concern among media professionals regarding legal battles and financial burdens, especially when the journalists involved may lack support from their employers or have already been dismissed.
Under the agreement, the Lawyers Council will provide legal assistance to media professionals across all sectors, including the media organizations that signed the MOU, when they face lawsuits arising from their honest work. Legal services will be free of charge at all court levels (excluding court fees and other official expenses). The assistance also covers cases where journalists initiate lawsuits to protect their rights related to their duties. Recipients of help must undergo fact-checking and receive approval from a committee appointed by the partner media organizations.
Beyond legal aid, the collaboration includes academic support and legal education for journalists to enhance their understanding and caution in performing their duties. It also involves exchanging information and promoting joint activities among the seven organizations. This MOU is valid for four years, from 7 May 2026 to 7 May 2030, aiming to build a protective shield that enables journalists to robustly and gracefully perform their role in scrutinizing and reflecting truth to Thai society.