Young pop idol under fire for hosting govt publicity show

By KITTIPONG THAVEVONG 
THE NATION

 

 

A YOUNG SUPERSTAR has become the subject of a heated political debate and the target of attack for hosting a television show publicising the government’s achievements.
 

Cherprang Areekul, “captain” of the popular girl pop band BNK 48, has come under attack by anti-junta political activists, who are accusing her of “serving the dictatorship” and “helping whitewash the junta”.

 

 

The 22-year-old is one of many showbiz celebrities recruited to host “Doen Na Prathet Thai” (Moving Thailand Forward). Yet, Cherprang appears to be the only one targeted by anti-junta activists.

 

Academic Pavin Chachavalpongpun, who is living overseas to avoid the lese-majeste charge, described Cherprang as a “detergent for dictatorship” and a “greenhorn in democracy”.

 

Rangsiman Rome, a student activist campaigning for an early election, said in his Facebook post that Cherprang has become a “mouthpiece for the dictatorship” and that this would become a “lifelong stigma” for her.

 

Cherprang’s supporters, however, hit back, saying she had the right to choose what to do and that these “cyber-bullies” must respect her judgement if they really believe in human rights. Some noted that Cherprang and other BNK 48 members had also joined events hosted by Pheu Thai Party’s senior figure Sudarat Keyura-phan.

 

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday that he felt sorry for Cherprang, as she had done nothing wrong. 

 

“She is just acting like a government spokesperson, free of charge. Is that wrong? What’s wrong with doing good?” he asked. The premier said he suspected the critics were simply trying to “get a free ride” on Cherprang’s popularity by criticising her.

 

On Monday, Deputy PM and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said student activist Rangsiman should also respect other people’s rights. 

 

At Government House last week, Cherprang and other showbiz celebrities met General Prayut, who honoured them for helping provide public services free of charge.

 

Cherprang’s boss, Jirat Bowornwattana, said yesterday that she was participating in the government show for public interest and had no political purposes. 

 

The programme is broadcast every evening after the national anthem is played at 6pm. The audience rating was previously low, as the programme mainly focuses on the government’s projects. However, the ratings have risen after showbiz celebrities began participating. 

 

A recorded episode of the show, in which Cherprang acts as guest host, will be broadcast this Saturday. This episode focuses on the government’s moves to reduce inequality in education. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30354250

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-09-12

3 minutes ago, webfact said:

hosting a television show publicising the government’s achievements.
 

Must have been the shortest show in Thai television history !

"...She is just acting like a government spokesperson, free of charge. Is that wrong?..."

 

Is that wrong? Yes, when the government in question came to power via coup, severely restricted the Thai people's rights and freedoms, jailed or exiled its opponents, and is in the process of trying to rig an election to stay in power illegitimately.

 

I hope that the Thai people treat her like she has a tattoo on her forehead stating that she has syphilis.

 

 

But only under fire from those same few brave souls who can see and call out this current <deleted> for what it is. I guess the TV segment was typical style over substance, with all fairness anything political done here is very soon forgotten and is only really powerful if money is involved

It's only wrong if the Prathom kids are allowed to vote, surely?

?

 

I wish the SNP had some good looking hosts like this girl!

?

 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday that he felt sorry for Cherprang, as she had done nothing wrong. 

From the lips of the iron fisted man who has little that is right. 

 

She is probably just blissfully ignorant as to why coups are wrong, and why rights are important and quashed under the junta.  Though innocent, if history is just, she will be stigmatized.   History will not show her actions as benefiting freedom or decency, but serving an autocracy.

Just now, CelticBhoy said:

It's only wrong if the Prathom kids are allowed to vote, surely?

?

 

I wish the SNP had some good looking hosts like this girl!

?

 

You've got Nicola Sturgeon!

If the army hadn't stepped in and removed the Caretaker gov that was promising many things and not doing anything they promised there would have been civil war. Riots in just about all the larger cities, people getting killed and red shirts celebrating when children were killed, rice scandal and the corruption going along with it. Areas in Bangkok basically becoming no go zones. The gov now is not the best that could be but they have restored some amount of peace in the time they have been in power. I know I am going to get flamed for this post but I think they have done a good job and I don't really want to see the bullshit happening again that was before they took over. 

2 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

"...She is just acting like a government spokesperson, free of charge. Is that wrong?..."

 

Is that wrong? Yes, when the government in question came to power via coup, severely restricted the Thai people's rights and freedoms, jailed or exiled its opponents, and is in the process of trying to rig an election to stay in power illegitimately.

 

I hope that the Thai people treat her like she has a tattoo on her forehead stating that she has syphilis.

 

 

You are a sincerely sick person. You suggest anti-dictatorship, however you want people to be branded like by the Nazi's just because they share a different opinion. 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

“She is just acting like a government spokesperson, free of charge. Is that wrong? What’s wrong with doing good?” he asked.

Here's one of many answers. An excerpt from The Nation :

 

It was further pointed out that the junta has the authority to arrest and detain people for up to seven days. People can also be interrogated without access to a lawyer under the same decree, which represents a mockery of democratic principles.

 

And how stupid is this statement:

Cherprang’s boss, Jirat Bowornwattana, said yesterday that she was participating in the government show for public interest and had no political purposes.

 

It's like participating in a football game without knowing your team and having no intentions to ever kick the ball.

 

1 hour ago, Gudge said:

If the army hadn't stepped in and removed the Caretaker gov that was promising many things and not doing anything they promised there would have been civil war. Riots in just about all the larger cities, people getting killed and red shirts celebrating when children were killed, rice scandal and the corruption going along with it. Areas in Bangkok basically becoming no go zones. The gov now is not the best that could be but they have restored some amount of peace in the time they have been in power. I know I am going to get flamed for this post but I think they have done a good job and I don't really want to see the bullshit happening again that was before they took over. 

Flamed for stating non facts about war zones that did not exist ? Why do you think that would happen ?   I was here during all the Shinawatras / Abhisit coups, and though there were some bad apples,  the vast majority of Thais acted responsibly / peacefully.   Those whose votes were nullified due to military seizure refrained from violence.  The military could have instituted an impeachment process like that of South Korea.  It did not.  Instead, it seized power at gun point for itself and the 1%.  Hardly something of which to be proud. 

 

Your post is an insult to the vast majority of peace loving Thai people, as well as, any civics classes you slept through during your time at school in the west.   Autocracy will thrive due to people like you. 

May I suggest, Lam ''the guitar genius'' and Khun Sek Loso,as the newest ''Face Forward ''....Rock on Junta

Edited September 12, 20187 yr by mok199

They seem so happy together. Why can't everyone be happy?

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Sadanava said:

You are a sincerely sick person. You suggest anti-dictatorship, however you want people to be branded like by the Nazi's just because they share a different opinion. 

Well you used the "N" word, which is over the top for what was said below.

1 hour ago, Sadanava said:

I hope that the Thai people treat her like she has a tattoo on her forehead stating that she has syphilis. 

He used the word "like" which means to be treated as in this sentence.  This little singing and dancing puppet is allowed to do these acts propaganda, but she will also have to deal with the fallout as well.  The good general fancies himself as a pillar of goodness and righteousness, but history will show he was just a tinpot with a fragile ego that held the country hostage for four very long, monotonous years. The little pretty thing will be seen as an ignorant tool of a dimwitted propaganda machine

 Every military regime needs a Axis Sally or Tokyo Rose.

Shameful exploitation of a young girl fame and innocence for his dirty work. It is far from voluntary and cheap stunt to improve viewership of a bland program. 

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Cherprang’s supporters, however, hit back, saying she had the right to choose what to do

Funny, cos in these times most people don't have the right to choose what they do. I guess there are two choices for most people; speak nicely about it or shut the hell up. 

32 minutes ago, yellowboat said:

Flamed for stating non facts about war zones that did not exist ? Why do you think that would happen ?   I was here during all the Shinawatras / Abhisit coups, and though there were some bad apples,  the vast majority of Thais acted responsibly / peacefully.   Those whose votes were nullified due to military seizure refrained from violence.  The military could have instituted an impeachment process like that of South Korea.  It did not.  Instead, it seized power at gun point for itself and the 1%.  Hardly something of which to be proud. 

 

Your post is an insult to the vast majority of peace loving Thai people, as well as, any civics classes you slept through during your time at school in the west.   Autocracy will thrive due to people like you. 

Sorry to disagree with you but although I was not actively involved in what was happening I saw for myself what was happening.  I have more than a 90 second memory span unlike some of the posters on here. Are you and a few of the other posters on a special delivery list for rose coloured glasses and knee pads from Thaksin. I also talked to manyThais that were upset with the government and were traveling to Bangkok to protest.  

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The premier said he suspected the critics were simply trying to “get a free ride” on Cherprang’s popularity by criticising her.

To the Dodo in Chief: You're "free riding" whenever you can: Toon Bodyslam's charity marathon, the cave boys' ordeal, and the ultimate "free ride": ruling without mandate.

Edited September 12, 20187 yr by klauskunkel

3 minutes ago, Gudge said:

I also talked to manyThais that were upset with the government and were traveling to Bangkok to protest.  

Being upset with the government and protesting are expression of rights and freedom in all democratic countries. People let their feelings known through the ballot boxes. Coups ain't in any types of democracy.  

Joker like my GF says...

 CHANGE CHANNEL. I don't like them

34 minutes ago, Gudge said:

Sorry to disagree with you but although I was not actively involved in what was happening I saw for myself what was happening.  I have more than a 90 second memory span unlike some of the posters on here. Are you and a few of the other posters on a special delivery list for rose coloured glasses and knee pads from Thaksin. I also talked to manyThais that were upset with the government and were traveling to Bangkok to protest.  

Don't entertain  JUNTA lickers. One can only feel sorry for them

20 minutes ago, Gudge said:

Sorry to disagree with you but although I was not actively involved in what was happening I saw for myself what was happening.  I have more than a 90 second memory span unlike some of the posters on here. Are you and a few of the other posters on a special delivery list for rose coloured glasses and knee pads from Thaksin. I also talked to manyThais that were upset with the government and were traveling to Bangkok to protest.  

Don't need knee pads.  Have very tough knees, and my rose colored glasses were shattered after the coup in 2014. 

 

Thaksin and Yingluck could have gone down in history as great leaders, but they succumbed to shortcomings which are the undoing of all Thai leaders; not knowing right from wrong. 

 

So you weren't living in Bangkok, but you feel that you can judge all those who supported the Shinawartas as violent ?  You also state above they were going to protest.   Is there something wrong with protesting (nonviolently) ?   "No go areas" what areas were those ?   Traveled from Bangna to Bangrak, from Lat Prao to Nonthaburi and never saw any violence or fearful people. 

 

The reason why junta lovers are an endangered species on this forum is they do not have substantive arguments.  Westerners who do not cherish participatory government are far more sad than the Thais who just do not know any better. 

Cherprang’s boss, Jirat Bowornwattana, said yesterday that she . . .had no political purposes. 

 

. . . the programme mainly focuses on the government’s projects.

 

Pure coincidence, obviously.

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, yellowboat said:

Well you used the "N" word, which is over the top for what was said below.

He used the word "like" which means to be treated as in this sentence.  This little singing and dancing puppet is allowed to do these acts propaganda, but she will also have to deal with the fallout as well.  The good general fancies himself as a pillar of goodness and righteousness, but history will show he was just a tinpot with a fragile ego that held the country hostage for four very long, monotonous years. The little pretty thing will be seen as an ignorant tool of a dimwitted propaganda machine

Funny that you ignore the use of "like" in the statement you disagree with but notice it in the statement you agree with. Selective reading?

 

And why the "N" word? Haven't you heard there are Nazis everywhere? Don't be afraid to say it. All the cool leftist kids say it these days. It's this year's racist. Keep up on the vernacular. You'll be disinvited to the next antifa get together.

Edited September 12, 20187 yr by bkkgriz
spelling

Ze cunning plan to get the young snout into the junta's trough backfired, eh?

1 hour ago, bkkgriz said:

And why the "N" word? Haven't you heard there are Nazis everywhere? Don't be afraid to say it. All the cool leftist kids say it these days. It's this year's racist. Keep up on the vernacular. You'll be disinvited to the next antifa get together.

Of course the leftist cool kids say it, it stands for NAtionalsoZIalismus. Good old leftie ideals credited to the right.

7 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

"...She is just acting like a government spokesperson, free of charge. Is that wrong?..."

 

Is that wrong? Yes, when the government in question came to power via coup, severely restricted the Thai people's rights and freedoms, jailed or exiled its opponents, and is in the process of trying to rig an election to stay in power illegitimately.

 

I hope that the Thai people treat her like she has a tattoo on her forehead stating that she has syphilis.

 

 

Yea you would treat people like that who don't share your opinion.

 

The girl is just doing a job and hopes to become famous. Just because she does not share your views does not make her an outcast. You sound a lot like those left wing people who restored to bombing people who did not share their views. They decided that freedom of expression was only good if it was on their side.

 

Sorry just totally disagree with your harsh comments.

3 hours ago, yellowboat said:

Flamed for stating non facts about war zones that did not exist ? Why do you think that would happen ?   I was here during all the Shinawatras / Abhisit coups, and though there were some bad apples,  the vast majority of Thais acted responsibly / peacefully.   Those whose votes were nullified due to military seizure refrained from violence.  The military could have instituted an impeachment process like that of South Korea.  It did not.  Instead, it seized power at gun point for itself and the 1%.  Hardly something of which to be proud. 

 

Your post is an insult to the vast majority of peace loving Thai people, as well as, any civics classes you slept through during your time at school in the west.   Autocracy will thrive due to people like you. 

War zones existed, i was there unlike you i live at the outskirts of BKK and seen the danger area's. I even witnessed an attack of a red shirt taxi driver on some yellow shirt grannies. So don't act like it did not happen.

 

The bombings did happen, the yellows were attacked and bombed and the government did nothing to solve it because they did not want it. Only the army found the people responsible because Charlem made sure the police did nothing.

 

The cheering over deaths did happen, the reds did drive and kill innocent people on a demonstration in Trad. You can act like the reds were angels and act like there were no problems but there certainly were huge problems. 

seems to be double standards here. When lamyai sung in Thai wearing a short dress shaking her ass the PM was down on her like a tonne of bricks and sent officers to investigate her performances. But he's quite happy for a group of 'Schoolgirls' doing pretty much the same while getting hosed down, and singing a Japanese song, to support him- very Niyom! The whole 48 thing has gone totally over kill of course.

 

 

Edited September 12, 20187 yr by Orton Rd