Voice TV wins case against NBTC; suspension lifted

The Administrative Court has ruled that the 15-day suspension of outspoken Voice TV is invalid, and given the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) 30 days to consider an appeal.


Suspension on Voice TV

On 27 February, the Administrative Court ruled on the dispute between Voice TV and the NBTC. The Court said that the moderators of Wake Up News and Tonight Thailand did not cause confusion and division in the general public, even though they offer analysis and criticism of government agencies and public figures.

Related: 

- Statement of Voice TV on NBTC's suspension order

Voice TV can continue broadcasting, says Administrative Court
Voice TV suspended for 15 days during election campaigns

The Court also said that the NBTC did not show evidence of damage done by Voice TV. Therefore, the 15-day suspension from 12-27 February during the election campaign is legally invalid. The Administrative Court had earlier set aside the suspension temporarily.

Sirote Klampaiboon protesting against Voice TV's suspension

Regarding the claim by NBTC that Voice TV had repeatedly offended, the Court commented that Voice TV should have been given a chance to explain its actions before being suspended, but there was no mention of repeated offences in the letter sent by the NBTC to suspend Voice TV.  This claim cannot therefore be used against Voice TV.

Makin Petplai, CEO of Voice TV, made a statement that Voice TV has received the decision and is very pleased for freedom of the press and the media industry in Thailand. He said that he is willing to cooperate with the NBTC so that broadcasting can proceed without obstacles and hopes that this case will set a standard for government agencies to maintain political neutrality and take into consideration freedom of the press and freedom of expression. 

Since 2007, Prachatai English has been covering underreported issues in Thailand, especially about democratization and human rights, despite the risk and pressure from the law and the authorities. However, with only 2 full-time reporters and increasing annual operating costs, keeping our work going is a challenge. Your support will ensure we stay a professional media source and be able to expand our team to meet the challenges and deliver timely and in-depth reporting.

• Simple steps to support Prachatai English

1. Bank transfer to account “โครงการหนังสือพิมพ์อินเทอร์เน็ต ประชาไท” or “Prachatai Online Newspaper” 091-0-21689-4, Krungthai Bank

2. Or, Transfer money via Paypal, to e-mail address: [email protected], please leave a comment on the transaction as “For Prachatai English”