THAILAND

Country Summary

Press freedom conditions in Thailand deteriorated dramatically, albeit temporarily, along with the plummeting fortunes of former Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-Archa and his Chart Thai Party mid-year. Banharn frequently accused the media of biased coverage and blamed them for his government’s troubles, including allegations of corruption and incompetence. He also attempted to stifle reports critical of his performance. Parliament in September dismissed Banharn, who had held office only since July 1995, after the second of two no-confidence votes. Voters elected Chavalit Yongchaiyudh as the new prime minister.

When the press reported that the government had adjourned the first no-confidence vote before Parliament could reach a decision, authorities sent warning letters to six newspapers, claiming they had made inappropriate statements in their coverage. Officials also banned some radio and television programs, and applied pressure to have journalists dismissed. Boonradom Jitdon of the military-run Channel 5 lost his post as news chief after producing a segment that reportedly displeased Banharn. And the government-run Channel 11 dropped Chirmsak Pinthong’s weekly political program, “Moon Tang Moon,” after Chirmsak questioned Banharn about his controversial cabinet appointments.

Working conditions for the press improved markedly after Banharn’s ouster, but journalists still face substantial obstacles in Thailand. Despite the country’s return to democratic rule in 1992 from military dictatorship, the military continues to wield substantial influence over Thai politics­exerted in part through its control of much of the broadcast media. Radio and television stations in Thailand are government-licensed, and operated primarily by the government and the military. In one case, military officials pressured three television stations to dismiss reporters for questioning the legality and ethics of the military’s purchase of armored cars from a French company.

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