Censorship must go

In a move criticised across all political and legal lines, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has once again banned all broadcasts by Peace TV. The station is openly run and just as openly favours the red shirts and their political face, the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, or UDD. Every Thai media, print and broadcast, blasted the blatant and poorly thought out act of censorship.

There seldom is an excuse to censor a Thai publication or broadcaster. The charge used to once again shut down the only popular outlet of a major political force is ludicrous. The NBTC ban claimed that four news and analysis programmes could cause confusion or spark division. As in the past, the commission was unable to point to a single, actual case of confusion or division that could be traced even indirectly to Peace TV.

Here is the main reason the NBTC should be removed from the censor's post. It is not in touch with public sentiment. Say what you will about the NCPO, its top tier of military officers and civilian helpers are in touch. Their job demands it. Their performance proves it, literally from North to South.