Sorayuth, a hero in this age of reality TV?

COMMENTARY

Sorayuth, a hero in this age of reality TV?

Published: 18/11/2011 at 02:04 AM
Newspaper section: News

Watching television on the current flood relief operations, one sees all sorts of personalities competing to get, in Andy Warhol's expression, their "15 minutes of fame". Politicians, academics, government officials, NGOs, reporters and broadcasters _ all have become water experts overnight (including myself, of course, on my own political commentary talk show).

But one individual and one television channel stand out, getting far more than their share of 15 minutes: Sorayuth Sutha-sanajinda, the popular news anchor, and Channel 3 where he works.

Mr Sorayuth rose to stardom with his direct questioning style mixed with dramatic pose and prose. His popular morning news show, Rueng Lao Chao Nee or "stories to be told this morning" is cleverly designed to suit the Thai way of life, which revolves around the neighbourhood coffee shops or stalls where groups of friends and neighbours gather to discuss the news of the day, dubbed sapha kafae or coffee council.

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About the author

: Writer: Suranand Vejjajiva; Position: Contributor

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sati
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Discussion 8 : 19/11/2011 at 05:55 AM8
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The writer should work for Yingluck, she needs all the help she can get building her brand. As @bangmodken points out - using the media to talk up how wonderful a TV personality is - is not really news, it's advertising.
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phetpeter
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Discussion 7 : 18/11/2011 at 08:24 PM7
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He and channel three have found their 'hooks' Any major problem and there he is, promoting donations and'sticking his nose in' milking it day after day until the next major problem. But. the program ignores nearly all the news that people should be inform on around Thailand, and the camera's keep rolling!...It is the most annoying news program with the 30 sedcond video's repeated over and over while he talk's endlessly and only rarely due we hear the interviews. Still with the pardon problem about to blow into a full civil war again he must be rubbing his hands with glee! Pity he doesn't spend a month done South trying to put things right there!
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SteveCM
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Discussion 6 : 18/11/2011 at 05:14 PM6
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"The Army, Navy, Interior Ministry, individual politicians - all want to gain credit for themselves".

Yes, & one could add the political parties as a whole - not just individual politicians. But, Khun Suranand - "Even the police wear T-shirts saying 'Police'"..... Don't you think you're taking the point just a bit far? Don't people need to be able to recognise them when out of regular uniform (even if it's to go in the opposite direction)?
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chayanon
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Discussion 5 : 18/11/2011 at 02:38 PM5
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i like his work. helping many people and showing the real situation.
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Renaissance
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Discussion 4 : 18/11/2011 at 08:47 AM4
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When Khun Sorayuth meets people in their flooded communities and villages, it is clear that the only person helping them is Khun Sorayuth. Where have all the politicians gone who only 5 months ago were walking around smiling, waiing people, holding babies, etc.? If there was no Khun Sorayuth, the mess would be even greater. I hope he never thinks about becoming a politician. He's too good for that.
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lazar
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Discussion 3 : 18/11/2011 at 07:31 AM3
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I think Khun Sorayuth has now overtaken Mr Thaksin as Thailands most popular person and deservedly so.
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bkkmatt
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Discussion 2 : 18/11/2011 at 05:27 AM2
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I wake up every day @ 6a.m to watch CH3 and must say I also have a mixed view about the show. Even though my Thai is limited, I understand and praise their efforts on reporting the plight of the average Thai coping with the Floods.
On the other hand they do continue to promote their own brand by handing out bags with the big CH3 logo on the side which is kind of self advertisement but saying that I also see bags with TRUE, PTT, Mr. Thaksin's name and many other companies also sharing the self promoting glory of being seen to help.
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bangmodken
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Discussion 1 : 18/11/2011 at 02:55 AM1
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Nice article,khun Suranand,but as you call yourself a political analyst,I would have been more interested in hearing your defence(which I believe is probable the case)of the royal amnesty that your friends are trying to push through.I don't think we need a popularity review of media outlets such as Thai Rath or Channel 3 at this time.
But hey,that's just me...you do your thing...just sit back and enjoy the show.
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Sorayuth, a hero in this age of reality TV? | Bangkok Post: opinion