They also questioned the panel's transparency and intentions.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont appointed the committee without acknowledgement from the media representatives. Its chairman Withayakorn Chiangkul also reportedly appointed a sub-panel before the first meeting yesterday.

During the meeting at Government House, the Press Council of Thailand president, Thai Journalists Association acting chairman and Broadcast Journalists Association (BJA) chairman submitted their resignation letters.

BJA chairman Thakoeng Somsap said in his letter that the chairman took actions before discussion with members, which could easily lead to mistakes. Moreover, the committee received a large budget.

The most important mission of the committee was facilitating people's participation but an approach that lacked transparency and participation might not succeed, he said.

PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan, chairman of the meeting, said the committee was appointed according to government policy, with 48 representatives from parties around the country.

He said the committee would spend its Bt200 million budget with transparency and reasonably to prevent questions from the public.

The committee would contact the three media organisations again and ask them to send representatives to join.

Piyanart Srivalo,

Sathien Viriyapanpongsa

The Nation