Channel 5 TV rumpus shows Thailand feels the heat in an altered world after the Ukrainian war

[webfact]

The outgoing boss of Thailand’s military-owned Channel 5 TV, who is to be replaced on April 7th after matters relating to coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine reached boiling point on Monday last when a key news TV show was pulled off the air at the station. It is understood that General Rangsee Kitiyanasap (centre) made efforts to balance coverage of the war by opening channels of communication with both the Russian and Ukrainian missions in Thailand to keep faith with the government’s stated position of neutrality in the war even though Thailand, at a UN General Assembly meeting on March 2nd last, called on Russia to withdraw ‘unconditionally’ from Ukraine and to cease its military operations in its neighbouring country. This week, General Rangsee insisted that he had decided to resign from his position while Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha (inset right) denied any involvement in the affair but did emphasise the Thai government’s neutrality concerning the ongoing conflict.

 

by James Morris and Son Nguyen

 

The Ukraine war and the unprecedented resolve of western countries to sanction Russia even while sacrificing their individual economic interests, make it crystal clear that the western world has changed. A terrifying new prospect has now emerged for countries, particularly in Asia, that have operated at a democratic deficit or based on ‘realpolitik’ in the cosy world of diplomatic accommodations. They are now faced with a united and overwhelming resolve in the West, driven by younger and more idealistic voters, to do what is right at all costs. This has deep implications for Thailand first and foremost in terms of inward economic investment and also increasingly, at a geopolitical level, as tensions between the West and communist China continue to rise.

 

The controversial replacement of the Director of a Thai national TV station this week exposes rising tensions at the heart of the establishment linked to the kingdom’s position in relation to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, an event that is now dominating the country’s immediate economic future and threatens to have further repercussions as geopolitical tensions worldwide and most particularly in Asia, have shifted significantly due to the outcome of the war meaning it may now no longer be possible to practice the art of realpolitik and detente in a world that is increasingly divided between democratic powers supporting human rights and those which are more autocratic.

 

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The tension in Thailand and rift over the kingdom’s position concerning the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24th broke through onto the country’s TV waves on Monday at midday when a news programme reporting on the country’s military-owned Channel 5 TV as it detailed the latest news on the conflict in Europe was abruptly shut down during the main midday news presentation.

 

Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/03/31/channel-5-rumpus-shows-thailand-under-pressure-russia-ukraine-war/

 

-- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-04-01

 

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[garyk]

Thailand allied with China, China allied with Russia. hummmm 

Thai generals skipping around in their underwear wondering what the heck happened..

[IAMHERE]

I may misunderstand what neutral means in East but it appears only pro Ukrainian spin is allowed ?  I'm not pro Russian but have heard that actions speak louder than words. 

[hotchilli]

Thailands MO of not saying anything and being friends to all sometimes backfires.

[Colabamumbai]

Thailand wants everyones money. 

[Enoon]

5 hours ago, IAMHERE said:

I may misunderstand what neutral means in East but it appears only pro Ukrainian spin is allowed ?  I'm not pro Russian but have heard that actions speak louder than words. 

You've misunderstood how and why the sacking /resignation took place.

 

1st approach was to the Russian government for their "news" version.

 

2nd approach was to Ukraine govt. for their "news" version.

 

Somebody appears not to have liked either the whole business (getting too involved in other countries points of view/conflicts?) or the fact that the General attempted to balance up by  presenting both sides stories (spoiling a cash/commodity deal to present Russias only and/or cooking up his own with Ukraine?).

 

It all stank anyway, because they shouldn't be getting their "news", and consulting upon the nature of its presentation, from/with what are no more than foreign government propaganda organisations.

 

They are themselves, after all, the mouthpiece for completely unbiased and impartial, in no way attempting to support an unspoken agenda, wanting only to secure the "happiness" of Thai people, Thai Military..........."news".

 

 

 

[thaibook]

EU member states and even Ukraine are of course speaking loudly and highlighting some actions while hiding others.

 

Russian gas is still flowing through the Ukraine pipeline, earning Ukraine $7 billion a year and Russia more.  Ukraine wants EU member states to stop imports of Russian oil and gas but it does not close the taps on the pipeline.  The reason, other than it is earning money and funding the Russian war machine, is that there are alternatives.  As if that is not always the case.

 

EU member states have implemented a swathe of sanctions on Russian companies and individuals but they have been careful not to target any that are involved in nuclear energy.  Why? Because they need them and collaborate with the m.  Of course this is kept under wraps.

 

GE bought the French turbine manufacturer some years ago and now wishes to sell it.  The French government is putting together a consortium to buy the large turbines used in nuclear power palnts.  Just a few weeks ago, well into the war, it invited the Russian turbine manufacturer to participate in a joint venture. 

 

Each time you hear a European policitician make a statement about Russia, see if substituting China would still make sense and if so consider what those same politicans and countries are saing and doin with regards China.   

[RobU]

China, an ally of Russia, is waiting in the wings. My opinion, for what it's worth, is that, if Russia is allowed to win, it will be a clear signal for China to to annex it's neighbours in the same way. It will signal that the west will not interfere because they are scared of neuclear war

[BusyB]

13 hours ago, thaibook said:

 

GE bought the French turbine manufacturer some years ago and now wishes to sell it.  The French government is putting together a consortium to buy the large turbines used in nuclear power palnts.  Just a few weeks ago, well into the war, it invited the Russian turbine manufacturer to participate in a joint venture.