Authorities Raid Illegal Radio Station in Bangkok

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

Authorities shut down an unlicensed radio station in Bangkok’s Thung Khru district on 8 September, seizing a large amount of broadcasting equipment and linking the operation to a Buddhist monk. The station was broadcasting on 106.75 MHz at the time of the raid, which caused authorities to act against illegal telecommunications activity.

The raid was conducted by officers from the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) with support from Thung Khru police, under a search warrant issued by the Thonburi Criminal Court. The property targeted was a residence where extensive broadcasting equipment was found, including transmission cables, a Dipole 4 Stack antenna, a power amplifier, a radio transmitter, a sound mixer and a computer. The station was airing a Buddhist programme during the raid.

The house was owned by Ms Naree, who could not provide any licence documentation for the station. She told investigators that the equipment belonged to Phra Achan Boonruam Punyamano, a Buddhist monk, who later confirmed via telephone that he had been funding and managing the station. The station initially broadcast at 106.25 MHz under the name Chakrachai Media Communications Association for Security before moving to 106.35 MHz and then 106.75 MHz.

Ms Naree has been charged with using a frequency to conduct broadcasting activities without authorisation and with possessing and operating telecommunications equipment without a licence. All equipment was confiscated and handed over to Thung Khru police for further legal proceedings. Authorities emphasized that operating a radio station without proper licensing violates telecommunications laws and could result in penalties for all parties involved.

The ISOC and local police continue to monitor unlicensed broadcasting in Bangkok to prevent illegal transmissions and ensure compliance with licensing regulations. Authorities are also investigating whether additional individuals were involved in funding or managing the station and whether similar operations exist elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

• An illegal radio station in Thung Khru, Bangkok, was raided on 8 September, and all equipment confiscated.

• The operation was linked to Buddhist monk Phra Achan Boonruam Punyamano, who admitted to managing the station.

• Ms Naree faces charges for unauthorised broadcasting and possession of telecommunications equipment.

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-09-10