The government will double the length of its nightly Thailand Moves Forward television show to 30 minutes starting June 1.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered the broadcast lengthened Friday because he felt 15 minutes was insufficient to provide enough information so the public understands what the government is doing.
The show is broadcast Saturday through Thursday at 6pm. The new format will feature deputy prime ministers speaking each day, except for Tuesdays, when the government spokesperson team will summarise the results of the weekly cabinet meeting, said deputy spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd.
The programme does not air on Fridays, as Gen Prayut that night hosts his weekly Returning Happiness to the Thai People show at 8.30pm.
"The programme extension may impact people who want to consume other types of information, but in an era of reform, people should sacrifice some personal happiness so the government can explain things to them," he said.
Maj Gen Sansern also sought understanding from producers of other television programmes, as the decision impacts their businesses.
The premier said Monday's debut of the longer show will cover security issues. Wednesdays will be about the economy, Thursdays about social issues, Saturdays about international topics and Sundays about legal developments.