Thai PBS may face penalty for students scoop

Thai PBS may face penalty for students scoop

The anti-coup protest by a group of students at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok on June 25, 2015 has not only cost them more than seven days in jail but might also bring about some administrative action for a TV station that reported it in the
The anti-coup protest by a group of students at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok on June 25, 2015 has not only cost them more than seven days in jail but might also bring about some administrative action for a TV station that reported it in the "wrong" way. (Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard)

Broadcasting regulators will decide on Monday whether and how to punish state-owned Thai PBS TV for its scoop on anti-coup protests.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is acting on a complaint filed by the army's media oversight committee.

The army thought the Here's Thai PBS programme on June 25 was inappropriate, especially the scoop on how the students from the Dao Din group and other universities formed the New Democracy group after facing arrest warrants from organising activities to mark the coup's first anniversary.

After summoning the station's executives for questioning, an NBTC panel tasked with deliberating the issue found the reported had created confusion, deepened conflicts and instigated unrest.

In short, it found the report violated the junta orders No. 97 and 103 and recommended that minimum administrative action be taken against the station.

But Matichon Online reported not all NBTC commissioners agreed with the panel's decision.

Supinya Klangnarong said the issue reflected abnormal conditions in the post-coup world.

If we get stricter, there's no points having tens of TV channels like we do today, says Ms Supinya. (Bangkok Post file photo)

"The NBTC exercised its power to invite the executives to talk after the powers-that-be had sent the complaint," she said. "Under normal circumstances, members of the media should be the ones to watch out for irregularities among themselves.

"Previously, several digital TV stations were invited for the same purpose, creating an atmosphere of fear in performing their duties. Ultimately, consumers stand to lose."

Earlier, she tweeted: "I'm very depressed about the issue. I know the powers-that-be are worried about the movements (even though they are peaceful) to the point they arrested them. But as a regulator, the NBTC should stand firm in its position and take into account freedom of the press instead of saying this issue and that violate peace and order.

"A lot of rights and freedom have already been curbed at the moment. Further bans will benefit no one — not the NBTC, government and the Thai society. We should learn from history and act more rationally.

"If we use our power to punish operators who take advantage of consumers, I totally agree with it (although enforcement has been very lax). But when it comes to political issues, we exercise that power to the fullest.

"Political news on free TV looks similar today. No channels dare challenge the laws. If we get stricter, there's no point having tens of TV channels like we do today," she wrote.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (15)