Royal Thai Police Chief Shuts Down 42 Radio Stations

[Jai Dee]

Royal Thai Police Chief shuts down 42 radio stations

The Interim Royal Thai Police Commissioner General has ordered the litigation of community radio stations accused of conducting unauthorized broadcasts.

Royal Thai Police Spokesperson Pol Lt Gen Ronarong Yangyheun (รณรงค์ ยั่งยืน) revealed that Interim Commissioner General, Pol Gen Seripisuth Themiyawes (เสรีพิศุทธ์ เตมียาเวส), has instructed the prosecution of community radio stations conducting unauthorizd broadcasts and making false claims of backing from the Royal Thai Police.

The Royal Thai Police Spokesperson said that some community radio stations were guilty of broadcasting through prohibited frequencies, as well as establishing signal towers which interfered with the broadcast of other stations. Several community radio stations are also believed to be operating on government property.

The Interim Royal Thai Police Commissioner General has therefore ordered the closure of 42 radio stations, with local officials tasked on reporting investigative progress within 10 days. Pol Gen Seripisuth also instructed all agencies to refrain from supporting radio station broadcasts which failed to comply with the law.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 March 2007