Thai media vocal against military Junta

Reuters, Bangkok :
Thai media organizations called on the military government on Monday to ease restrictions after the junta said it would shut down news outlets putting out what it considers critical coverage.
The military seized power in a May 22 coup and has been intolerant of criticism of a takeover it said was necessary to restore stability after six months of sometimes violent protests against an elected government.
The military said in an order late last week it could shut down any media that disseminates information that “could harm national security” or criticizes the work of the ruling military council.
Media executives met senior military officials on Monday to get clarification on the order.
“There’s a positive signal. There might be changes to the announcement especially the section that gives authorities the power to close media,” Thai Journalists Association chairman Pradit Ruangdit told reporters after the meeting.
“We’ll have to wait and see if the military acts on its promise.”
The Friday order compounded difficult conditions for media since the military overthrew the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.