Get ready for a new era in Thai political communication as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin steps into the spotlight with his TV show "Talk with Srettha," airing this Saturday, June 22nd.

 

This comes 10 months after he took office, marking yet another chapter in Thailand's long tradition of Prime Ministers hosting television programs to engage with the public.

 

Srettha isn’t the first Thai leader to have his own show. This custom, originating with Thaksin Shinawatra in April 2001, has seen leaders use airwaves to inform citizens of their government's work, achievements, and future plans.

 

Thaksin's 30-minute weekly program, “PM Thaksin Talks with the People," was designed to foster public understanding and support for government initiatives, especially during tumultuous times.

 

Following Thaksin's ousting by a military coup in 2006, his successors continued the trend. General Surayud Chulalont created "Direct Line to Government House," and Samak Sundaravej followed with “Samak-Style Conversation."

 

Each leader tailored their approach, with Abhisit Vejjajiva inviting guests on "Confidence in Thailand with PM Abhisit" and Yingluck Shinawatra launching “Yingluck’s Government Meets the People,” which featured interviews of the Prime Minister and her Cabinet members by media celebrities.

 

Even General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who came to power via a military coup, embraced this tradition. His show, “Returning Happiness to the People,” later renamed “From Royal Wisdom to Sustainable Development,” aired every Friday, albeit with low viewership.

 

Srettha’s show marks a slight departure from his predecessors’ weekly programs. It will air monthly, every third Saturday, with a 30-minute format.

 

According to Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai, the show will recap Srettha's key activities and inspect the government's progress both domestically and internationally. Mobile broadcasts are planned to provide real-time updates during the PM’s trips.

 

Hosted initially by former government spokesman Teerat Ratanasevi, future episodes will see media personalities like news anchor Arisara Kamthorncharoen and presenter Puwanart Kunpalin take the helm.

 

This new format hopes to engage Thai citizens from all walks of life, offering a transparent window into the government’s work and plans.

 

Stay tuned this Saturday for the much-anticipated debut of "Talk with Srettha"!

 

-- 2024-06-22

 

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Srettha Thavisin. Picture courtesy: Wikimedia

 

 

Edited June 21, 20242 yr by redwood1

That reminds me of an interview with the supposed to be independent red-shirt leaders, I think it was in 2010.

Wait, let me call the boss...

 

How about a cooking show to connect with the voters? 

28 minutes ago, 2baht said:

How about a cooking show to connect with the voters? 

The maids do that for him.

But then, having a show with a couple of maids is maybe not so bad.

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Even General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who came to power via a military coup, embraced this tradition. His show, “Returning Happiness to the People,” later renamed “From Royal Wisdom to Sustainable Development,” aired every Friday, albeit with low viewership.

The problem with that one was that it was on every channel.

Just broadcast on one channel and leave the rest for movies or soaps etc.

Then you will see just how popular or interesting you really are.

56 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

The maids do that for him.

But then, having a show with a couple of maids is maybe not so bad.

Samak Sundaravej....Do some homework on this guy!

He's just a man of the people connecting with the public..lol

 

Whoever came up with this campaign strategy needs to have been fired in about 1998.

2 hours ago, 2baht said:

How about a cooking show to connect with the voters? 

Good reference

How about modeling it on PeeWee's Playhouse?

 

1 hour ago, 2baht said:

Samak Sundaravej....Do some homework on this guy!

I remember him. And as far as I remember he was a chef.

With the current PM, I don't know if he can do much more than fried eggs.

I hope they do not put it in Netflix. I will cancel subscription. 

I remember when Prayut started this.. Noone wanted to watch it either. Later on I think some watched it to see the fool he was making of himself with his songs. Let's hope this is a short lived Tv show although it does not affect me of anyone I know since they will not be tuning in. 

6 hours ago, 2baht said:

How about a cooking show to connect with the voters? 

Yes, but keep it simple. The PM involved made a very big deal about this but there were many comments that the dishes he cooked on air were very simple basic everyday Thai cuisine items. 

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Get ready for a new era in Thai political communication as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin steps into the spotlight with his TV show "Talk with Srettha," airing this Saturday, June 22nd.

1st question... where's my 10K?

CUT !!!!!

6 hours ago, 2baht said:

How about a cooking show to connect with the voters? 

Cooking the cook books?

4 hours ago, Karma80 said:

He's just a man of the people connecting with the public..lol

 

Whoever came up with this campaign strategy needs to have been fired in about 1998.

It's a correct time frame for Thailand, that's about how far behind the rest of the planet

Just need to know the timing so as to be totally incommunicado, with all devices switched off, when this person is scheduled. 

Prayuth was better. He had songs and poems.

 with The real boss .... use airwaves to inform citizens of their future plans.