NBTC member calls for Channel 11 probe

NBTC member calls for Channel 11 probe

A member of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is proposing the regulator investigates state-owned Channel 11 for airing a public address by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Sunday.

NBTC commissioner Supinya Klangnarong said Tuesday the regulator has the authority to supervise programming, content and airtime leases.

Ms Supinya also asked if it is necessary for the Public Relations Department to own the frequency on which Channel 11 is broadcast.

The NBTC should consider if the channel's airtime leases uphold the principles of a public service, she said.

The channel's management should also be scrutinised on whether it violated Section 37 of the Broadcasting Act 2008, which prohibits any content that could harm the constitutional monarchy or compromise national security, public order and morality.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin's younger sister, said she was unaware her brother would be appearing at the televised Muay Thai Warriors event in Macau.

Opposition member Ong-art Klampaibul said the appearance had been planned for Thaksin to use the state-owned channel for his political benefit.

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