Thai satellite TV back on air
June 3, 2014
By Chris Forrester
Thailand’s ruling military have given permission for 40 satellite channels to re-start transmissions. However, about 50 are still prohibited from broadcasting.
The decision was made via the country’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on June 2nd, although the permitted channels have to follow certain tight conditions, and be non-contentious.
Most of the cartoon channels such as Cartoon Club, Gang Cartoon, JimJam and Animax are among the 40 while many of the entertainment channels such as M-Channel, GrandPrix, JKN and Boomerang will also show normal programmes.
According to BBC Monitoring NBC Commissioner Supinya Klangnarong said these approved channels had received no complaints against them. She added that some political news channels might have to censor themselves “or disappear”.
Shortly after the May 22nd military coup, all satellite and cable TV channels were banned from airing. The cable TV channels, except some foreign news programmes such as the CNN and BBC, were allowed to air a few days later.
The National Council for Peace & Order had asked the NBC to scrutinise the content of the satellite TVs before allowing them to broadcast again for fear of inciting or confusing the public.