BBC starts "impartial" Thai-language service

The BBC Thai-language service is back, not on radio, but on the Internet in the form of a Facebook page. Initially, at least, the new service has been welcomed by Thailand's National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

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BBC starts "impartial" Thai-language service

The BBC Thai-language service is back, not on radio, but on the internet in the form of a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BBCThai). The service began last evening.

Thus far, the page has posted little Thailand-specific news and the international news topics covered can easily be found elsewhere in English and in Thai.

This is social media, however, so there are already comments from hundreds of readers, including a question from Japan from well-known Thai academic Pavin Chachavalpongpun wondering when his interview will be broadcast on the BBC. Mr Pavin, of course, just had his passport revoked for failing to report to the junta as ordered. His query must have caught the attention of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Yesterday, however, the NCPO said it wasn't bothered by the new BBC Thai service. Here is a story from our military affairs reporter.

Army backs new BBC service

Wassana Nanuam

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has welcomed the launch of the BBC World Service's new social media service in Thailand, saying it will afford the broadcaster a better understanding of the local situation.

The BBC on Wednesday said the aim of the new service is to offer people an alternative source of information.

The operation will cover local and international news in Thai and English for an initial period of three months, the British broadcaster said, launching on Facebook at 6.30pm Thursday.

"One of the fundamental principles of the World Service is to bring impartial and accurate news to countries when they lack it," Liliane Landor, head of language services at the BBC World Service, said.

"We think the time is right to trial a new Thai and English digital stream to bring trusted news and information to people inside Thailand."

NCPO spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak said he was happy to help the BBC "better understand the situation in Thailand".

"We don't have any problem as long as they don't broadcast information that is negative or has an impact on the stability of the country," he said.

Col Werachon stressed that maintaining peace is vital for forging national stability. News that is not regarded as detrimental to stability is welcome, he said.

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