Time for mainstream media to do their job

Straight to the point

Time for mainstream media to do their job

Published: 23/02/2011 at 04:46 AM
Newspaper section: News

There was a time, long ago, when the mainstream media in Thailand, both print and broadcast, were quite active in asking awkward questions of those in power and in persevering to find answers. That was indeed some time ago. I don't exactly know how or why our mainstream media have become so tame these days.

Why are newspapers, radio and TV neglecting to report on extra-judicial killings of criminal suspects, or on the unjust incarceration of hundreds of people detained under emergency laws?

Why is the media not probing the widespread practice of requiring high-ranking officials to bid for their promotion? And when was the last time any news media decided to investigate our military budget or military purchases?

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: Writer: Jon Ungphakorn; Position: A human rights and social activist, winner of the

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SteveCM
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Discussion 4 : 23/02/2011 at 04:03 PM4
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browser (#2) I 100% agree - but there was such a programme. I remember seeing a series with a human presenter interviewing puppet guests that were political figures. Mainly just making fun of them rather than heavy satire - but a start.
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gratorn
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Discussion 3 : 23/02/2011 at 02:53 PM3
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@browser There is actually a comedy program on Thai TV where comedians sit in a room similar to the parliament and joke around. The comedians all look kinda similar to the current politicians (as much as possible anyway). My Thai language isn't good enough to pick up their jokes, nor do I know the programs name. However those I know who watch it seem to enjoy it. It's on (or at least used to be on) Friday or Saturday nights.
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browser
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Discussion 2 : 23/02/2011 at 09:41 AM2
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There is one thing I would like to see in Thailand. This country does not have a polical satire TV programme - something on the lines of Saturday Night Live - in the US - where politicians of all stripes are subjected to satirical comedy sketches. I think it would be an immensely popular programme nationally, and I also think it would diffuse much of the tension in the air. Thailand is altogether too serious in this respect, and it backs its seriousness with some very serious defamation lawsuit provisions. But if it could put that all away, a new dawn might emerge.
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Aussie John
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Discussion 1 : 23/02/2011 at 04:32 AM1
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The true extent to the social and economic problems in Thailand could never be truly written or debated as this would cause massive lose of 'FACE'. It doesn't really matter as a vast majority of the population knows how the system works and basically accepts it as there is no other alternative. Until the majority of people stand up together and ask for real change as opposed to the fractured groups you have now, those that continue to manipulate the country will carry on as usual.
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Time for mainstream media to do their job | Bangkok Post: opinion