The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) reports with the dismay the violent killing of Athiwat Chaiyanurat, 48, a reporter for Matichon newspaper who was shot dead in his home in Thailand on August 1.

According to local media organisation the Thai Journalists Association (TJA), Chaiyanurat, who also worked as a stringer for the army-controlled Channel 7 television station, was reportedly shot several times by an armed intruder.

Police confirmed to the TJA after conducting preliminary investigations that there was a strong suspicion the killing was linked to Chaiyanurat’s work as a journalist, particularly his reports on corruption within local authorities.

Chaiyanurat had reportedly received death threats in recent months.

“This brutal killing is a huge blow for press freedom and for the democratic rights of all people in Thailand,” said IFJ Asia-Pacific.

“In honouring the courage of Chaiyanurat to uncover and report on corruption, the press freedom community sends a clear message to the perpetrators that crimes against freedom of expression will not smother the truth.”

The IFJ joins local and international groups in demanding an immediate investigation by the National Police into the murder as a demonstration of Thailand’s commitment to press freedom.

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919

The IFJ represents over 600,000 in 122 countries worldwide