Thaksin's Ch11 broadcast not illegal

The live broadcast on Channel 11 featuring former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's appearance and speech at a boxing event in Macau two weeks ago was not legally wrong, a subcommittee of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has ruled.

Lt Gen Peerapong Manakit, a director of the NBTC and chairman of the subcommittee in charge of content and programme slots, said the broadcast did not violate Section 37 of the constitution.
"The organisers bought the rights to the airtime from state-owned NBT television. The NBTC had no right to intervene," said Lt Gen Peerapong.

Thaksin gives a speech at a boxing event in Macau on Dec 9, 2012.

The subcommittee submit its decision for consideration by the NBTC's Broadcasting Committee on Jan 7.
The committee will ask the public media to cautiously review broadcast material, making sure the contents do not cause public conflict.
The regulator also wanta the public media to be professional and broadcast content free from influence by either private organisations or the government.
He said the regulation on broadcast plans was still pending publication in the Royal Gazette, after passing a  public hearing.
The new regulation would require media to report their broadcast plans 15 days ahead of the time slots.
"The main issue here is not just following Section 37 of the Broadcasting Act 2008, but to prevent the public media from broadcasting content that cause public conflict, or hate speeches," added Lt Gen Peerapong.
Thaksin appeared on Channel 11 on Dec 9, 2012 to preside over a muay Thai event held in Macau. The event was held to commemorate His Majesty the King's 85th birthday.
The deposed premier took the opportunity to defend himself against his 2008 abuse of power and graft convictions, and criticised the 2006 coup-makers who toppled his administration.

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