Bangkok: The Journalists Association has issued a statement urging the Election Commission to reconsider the lawsuit against a news photographer.

According to Thai News Agency, the Thai Journalists Association (TJA) expressed concern over the Election Commission's (EC) decision to pursue criminal charges against a SPACEBAR photographer. The charges stem from the individual's actions during the re-voting at polling station 9, constituency 15, Khan Na Yao district, Bangkok, on February 22, 2026, where the photographer was accused of photographing ballots and allegedly attempting to decode QR codes and barcodes to link information to voters.

The TJA emphasized the importance of respecting the EC's regulations, particularly the principle of voter secrecy. However, they stressed that legal actions against journalists should be based on necessity and proportionality, ensuring a clear distinction between interference with the election and fulfilling professional duties to report facts and ensure transparency.

The association expressed concern that prosecuting journalists for serious charges without considering the intent and context of their work could impact press freedom and create fear in public reporting. They highlighted the importance of press freedom in maintaining transparency and credibility in the electoral process within a democratic system.

The TJA reiterated that press freedom, including scrutinizing state power and reporting news, is a right protected by the Constitution and universal human rights principles. The enforcement of laws affecting these functions should be cautious and not suppress media work.

In urging the Election Commission to reconsider the case, the association called for consideration of the journalists' good faith in performing their duties and the principle of protecting the public's freedom of information. They hope the EC will review the prosecution without infringing on press rights and freedoms.