The country's telecommunications regulator has been called a paper tiger by consumers, a censorship board by rights activists and is being sued by digital TV channels for causing lower-than-expected viewership.
But nothing stresses National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission member Supinya Klangnaron as much as the weekly Monday meetings, when she has to explain her stance in front of a male audience. Most of the time, it's because she's the only one who disagrees.
"These are the most stressful moments," the commissioner told the Bangkok Post Sunday at her office. "Sometimes I get asked jokingly [by colleagues] if I'm afraid of getting dismissed by the junta."
Last Monday, Ms Supinya raised her hand to explain why she disagreed with the remaining three commissioners' decision to suspend a news programme on Voice TV, a digital channel owned by Panthongtae Shinawatra, son of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Since the coup, the NBTC has taken action against a number of broadcasters critical of the junta-led National Council for Peace and Order, based on two announcements prohibiting the media from criticising or "destroying the credibility" of the NCPO.
The seven-day suspension of Voice TV's Wake Up News programme was on the grounds its commentators had violated the announcements, as well as breached the memorandum the channel had with the NBTC, according to a statement released by the NBTC. Voice TV was among the 15 TV channels suspended after the coup that were also forced to sign memorandums agreeing to stop airing "illegal" content.
At the NBTC meeting, Ms Supinya said she disagreed with the commissioners' criticisms of Voice TV's bias, which she argued does not violate article 37 of the Broadcasting and Television Business Act, and is a matter of ethics that should be self-regulated by the media.
Under normal circumstances, the NBTC would have exercised their power under the act, which prohibits the broadcasting of programmes containing issues that affect state security. Punishments range from warnings, fines ranging from 50,000-500,000 baht and the suspension or revoking of licences. Since its inception, the NBTC has never suspended or revoked a licence based on article 37.
Against the grain: Supinya Klangnaron says Monday meetings are tough as she is usually alone in her opinions.
Ms Supinya also pointed out that the committee did not take into account Voice TV's explanation provided to the NBTC on Aug 22 on three issues, including the reading of a Facebook post expressing sympathy towards anti-coup activist Jatupat "Pai Dao Din" Bunpattararaksa. But taking the issue to court may be difficult, since the NCPO in July granted immunity to NBTC officials from criminal and civil lawsuits if they pull the plug on TV and radio stations deemed to run illegal content.
"In the case of Pai, for instance, we were accused of making the NCPO look like a bully," said Sirote Klampaiboon, one of the programme's commentators who attended last month's meeting. "But they ignored the fact that we did air [deputy PM] Prawit Wongsuwan's opinions on how Pai broke the referendum law."
It would also be the first time that a representative of the NCPO's media working panel attended the meeting and, according to the minutes of the meeting, provided opinions on Voice TV's airing.
"The weak point of Voice TV is that it clearly takes sides, but it's not to the point where it's an incitement of violence or hate speech," said Ms Supinya.
"If it was the Yingluck Shinawatra government, I think Voice TV should be closely watched in case they become the government's mouthpiece. But in this case, they are doing their duty as a watchdog, so it's normal for them to criticise [the junta]."
Ms Supinya's defence of Voice TV on multiple occasions and the red shirt Peace TV did not receive a warm welcome from the anti-Thaksin camp, some of whom called for an even harsher punishment for the broadcasters. But she also admits she hasn't fully gained the trust of staunch red shirt supporters, due to her history of participating in protests led by the anti-Thaksin People's Democratic Reform Committee.
"I may have a political preference, and I don't deny that. But I maintain my professionalism. If I'm a doctor, I still have to treat my patients regardless of their views," she said.
"But I don't think people really understand this."
With a background in journalism, Ms Supinya started working as an activist in media reform in 1997, when she and other activists helped push for the installation of the NBTC as a new independent regulator.
She became well known when she faced a criminal case and then a 400 million baht civil suit in 2004 over her comment that Shin Corp, owned by then prime minister Thaksin, benefited from the government's policies.
Both cases were dismissed in 2006 and were seen as important tests of Thailand's press freedom.
Under the Yingluck government in 2011, she was one of the 11 commissioners selected by the Senate to sit on the NBTC for the next six years, heading the consumer protection subcommittee.
At 43, Ms Supinya is the youngest and only female commissioner, which she sees as a plus given her disagreement with a wide range of issues. She also admits that she doesn't get along too well with the five other commissioners who are army officers.
"I think they [the other commissioners] sort of tolerate me. While the atmosphere may be uncomfortable, they don't raise their voices or make me feel scared," she said. "I used to break down in tears during a meeting, and no one offered me a tissue. I had to leave the room, but I told myself I had to be stronger."
Apart from a team of six staff, Ms Supinya also takes advice from former senator and iLaw director Jon Ungphakorn, who sits on the NBTC's subcommittee on the content of TV programmes. Mr Jon writes to her on a weekly basis, detailing his comments especially on issues related to the punishment of broadcasters.
"It is difficult to talk about freedom under the NCPO regime, but at least there needs to be justice. In the case of Voice TV, if we say that they are biased, do we need to shut down other channels which are biased?" asked Ms Supinya. "I think the government needs to take this into account. If we can't explain why we are applying the law to once case but not another, we are committing suicide."
Among Ms Supinya's frustrations is the slowness to act when it comes to consumer protection issues. On the other hand, the NBTC is seen as a censorship board in issues related to freedom and rights, adopting a "father knows best" attitude.
"The NBTC might be seen as a tool for the NCPO to exercise their power, which is true. But at least we can act as a buffer to prevent broadcasters from directly clashing with the state," Ms Supinya said. "People ask me why I still work under the NCPO. I tell them I will continue my duty as long as the law allows people to voice different opinions."
In the limelight: Coverage of the Jatupat 'Pai Dao Din' Bunpattararaksa case raised concern with the NBTC.
My way or the highway: Voice TV was among the 15 TV channels suspended after the coup.