Although the media in Thailand is considered to be one of the most liberal ones in the southeastern part of Asia, the government reserves the right to censor certain types of information. As in many other countries in the world, editors practice self-censorship, particularly with the information concerning the royal family. This indeed is a logical thing to do when we know that Thais adore the royals and would never say or do anything to disgrace them.
Around 80% of Thai population claims that television is the most reliable source of information, thus making that media the most popular one in Thailand. Thai National Broadcasting Commission, with the purpose of monitoring the broadcasting service, has been granted by the 1997 Constitution, but legal problems prevented its establishment up to this point. The new bill passed by the Military junta in 2007 demands all television and radio services to have an operating license, but allows all existing stations to continue working until the new media plan is adopted.
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| Thai television has analogue channels only |
Six terrestrial television stations currently operate in Thailand, all of which are based in Bangkok. Some of them are owned by the military ('Channel 5') and the others by the government ('Channel 11') or the Thai media conglomerate MCOT ('Channel 7'). Their program is transmitted nationwide via repeaters. Some tests regarding digital transmitting have been performed, but due to certain legal disputes (the NBC establishment, etc.) Thai television is going to operate analogously for some time. Thailand has several cable and satellite broadcasting stations, the biggest on the market being the 'True Visions UBC', controlled by the Thai biggest media conglomerate, operating in Cambodia and Vietnam as well. One of them is People's Television, owned by several former leaders of the Thai Rak Thai party, whose program was censored several times by the Military junta.
Thai radio system has been facing the same difficulties as TV, due to legal problems with founding of the National Broadcasting Commission. Until its establishment, the radio frequencies will remain, such as the post or the military. Thailand has around 500 radio stations in the hands of the government institutions.
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| Thai Rath - Thai newspaper |
Community radio has developed significantly in the last few years, offering its listeners a valuable alternative to government-controlled radio stations. However, some of them have been shut down due to the alleged interference with national frequencies, though people speculate that the true reason for this can be found in the criticism centred on the Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
Unlike the broadcasting media, newspapers enjoy larger freedoms in Thailand. A vast array of print media ranging from tabloids to serious analytical newspapers specializing in political and business issues enjoy quite a liberal environment compared to other countries in that part of Asia. All of them, with the exception of one, are printed in the nation's capital and distributed throughout the country. Most of Thai newspapers can be divided according to the date of their founding. Some of them can be labeled as conservative due to their establishment before the 1970's democracy campaign. Others are more progressive, as their political views rely more on democratic principles.
The Internet has more freedom that any other media in Thailand, although not entirely. The government reserves the right to block the Internet service providers that violate the rules and are offensive, mainly sites with pornographic content, along with some public opinion forums.
