Today (15 February), the Administrative Court ruled to delay the NBTC’s suspension order on Voice TV, which can continue broadcasting during the election campaign until the trial is concluded.
Sirote Klampaiboon protesting against Voice TV's suspension
At 20.30, the Administrative Court has issued an order to lift the suspension on Voice TV. The order noted that Voice TV had filed for an injunction on the ground that the NBTC suspension order is unreasonable and unlawful, and that there will be negative repercussions if the Court does not grant the injunction, both for the public and for Voice TV itself.
Related:
- Voice TV suspended for 15 days during election campaigns
Since the 2019 general election is near, suspending Voice TV would rob the public of the opportunity to receive information from a media outlet in opposition to those in power and to compare that informations with what they receive from other media outlets. In addition, the suspension would also damage Voice TV’s business prospects.
The NBTC argued that the content may cause confusion, societal division and violation of NCPO orders. It also said that the public can still access to information from the other 6 digital broadcasters. Among two examples it raised, the military-owned Channel 7 was mentioned as an alternative.
The Administrative Court considered that the NBTC suspension order is most likely unlawful, and if the Court allows the suspension order to take effect, there will be irreparable damage to Voice TV’s business reputation. In addition, to delay the NBTC order would not impede administrative work or public service, since the NBTC would still have its authority to oversee television broadcasts. The court therefore ruled to delay the NBTC suspension order for Voice TV until the trial is concluded or the Court rules otherwise.
Earlier today (15 February at 10.00), the Administrative Court held an emergency hearing on Voice TV’s request for a temporary injunction, after the national broadcasting regulator ordered a 15-day suspension. Makin Petplai, CEO of Voice TV, Prateep Kongsip, senior content director, Atukkit Sawangsuk and Natthakorn Devakula, programme hosts, testified at the hearing, while Sombat Leelapata and two others represented the national broadcasting regulator.
