The Thai Broadcasting Journalists Association (TBJA) called on the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) Tuesday to reconsider the revocation of Peace TV's licence.
TBJA deputy president Supan Rakcher said the NBTC should rethink its punishment of the station as, in his view, it was too harsh. Otherwise, the NBTC may face questions over bias against the station.
"Freedom of speech is the media's common right, but [Peace TV] must be responsible for the content it broadcasts as well, especially when the country needs reconciliation," Mr Supan added.
The TBJA's move came after the NBTC on Monday revoked the licence of the red-shirt station for broadcasting content which it said "could stir up unrest". Previously, the NBTC's committee suspended its licence for seven days from April 10-17.
When the station went back on air on April 18, the content continued to violate the agreement.
According to the NBTC's terms, the content must not create confusion, instigate unrest or deepen divisions among people.
When Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was asked about Peace TV's licence suspension, he said he already instructed it to oversee this issue and the NBTC also had its own protocols.
"I have never prohibited the media from disseminating the news as long as it airs or publishes facts. If not, order must be restored among [media]," the premier said.
Meanwhile, Gen Prayut and his government published the first issue of its mini-newspaper Tuesday, "to raise public awareness of its efforts and achievements".
The first press run published 60,000 copies of the Government Newsletter for the People - 30,000 for distribution in Bangkok and 30,000 for the provinces.
The first page of the eight-page newsletter, dated April 28, 2015, spotlights a letter by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who explains again that he seized administrative power to end conflicts caused by different political opinions.
The lack of discipline of past governments brought the nation to a standstill, the letter said.
He wants to see a Thailand with peace, prosperity, morality and justice and wishes for unity among the people. The government, under his leadership, will perform its duties, honestly and "with the heart of a soldier who wants to share sufferings and happiness with all people".
The newsletter also includes a column by Gen Wilas Arunsri, the prime minister's secretary-general, a Foreign Ministry article on Gen Prayut's overseas trips, explaining the role of Thailand in various international forums, and a column by the Prime Minister's Office with a story on His Majesty the King and his people.
The centre spread features the Transport Ministry's 1.9-trillion-baht infrastructure development projects planned for 2015-2022.
The last page highlights the Interior Ministry's Damrongtham Centre, which accepts complaints on behalf of the government via hotline 1111 and other channels.
