The Thai government on 20 June 2026 denied claims that it is monitoring or pressuring news organisations, stating it has no policy to interfere with or block the media. Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said reports suggesting special surveillance of certain outlets are incorrect. She said the government has issued no orders to interfere or take action to pressure media in carrying out their duties.

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She also reaffirmed that press freedom is a key mechanism in a democratic system under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s leadership. Reports had circulated alleging increased scrutiny of certain media outlets, alongside the cancellation of the “Inside Thailand” programme.

Rachada said the cancellation was not the result of any government order or interference, and does not prevent media outlets or presenters from scrutinising or criticising the government. The programme, aired on state-owned MCOT TV, had featured commentary by Danai “Mah Kae” Ekmahasawat and had been critical of the TH-AI Passport project, a digital identity initiative valued at 1.6 billion baht.

Thai Newsroom reported claims from an opposition lawmaker linking the cancellation to displeasure from Newin Chidchob, a de facto Bhumjaithai figure, regarding criticism of his son, Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob. That reporting also suggested political influence behind the decision, though these claims remain unverified in the government’s statement.

Rachada emphasised respect for all media outlets, including mainstream, online and citizen producers, particularly those reporting facts and public interest. Opposition People’s MP Pukkamon Nunarnan was cited in earlier reports as alleging that political pressure from Newin Chidchob may have contributed to the programme’s termination.

The government, however, rejected any suggestion of interference and maintained that media organisations can continue their work normally. The issue has contributed to renewed debate over media independence and scrutiny of government-linked projects.

The government said no further actions have been announced regarding media regulation or programme scheduling decisions. Media outlets are expected to continue operating based on factual reporting and social responsibility standards. Authorities reiterated that no restrictions have been placed on criticism of government policies or projects.

Picture courtesy of TNR of Danai “Mah Kae” Ekmahasawat

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thai newsroom 22 June 2026

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Well, press freedom is precious and a milestone in any TRUE democracy.

However........

1 - the government isn't going to state anything else, is it.
2 - Thailand is not the democracy they claim, when if the 'wrong' party wins it is removed by unelected senators or the army.

A total fabrication. The media censorship in Thailand is intense and nearly total. We used to see a lot of very critical editorials and articles, and they just don't appear anymore.

There's virtually nothing in the way of investigative journalism and top officials are never criticized for policy decisions.

10 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

stating it has no policy to interfere with or block the media.

But somehow:

"Thailand ranks 92nd out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, with its status officially classified as "difficult,"falling seven places from the previous year." AI

"Thailand’s RSF Press Freedom Ranking Is Falling — and Should Be Even Lower "Next Year.....The majority of the mainstream Thai press chose to censor themselves however." May 8, 2026 https://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2026/05/08/

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

A total fabrication. The media censorship in Thailand is intense and nearly total. We used to see a lot of very critical editorials and articles, and they just don't appear anymore.

There's virtually nothing in the way of investigative journalism and top officials are never criticized for policy decisions.

And let's not forget that people and businesses - hospitals and restaurants and hotels etc - cannot be named as the law rules in their favour if their reputation is damaged. There can be few places in the world where that exists.

Control is everywhere in Thailand. Every website, news media content or whatever is strictly monitored. Everybody is afraid to have something on their site that can cause problems, fuelled by the army and the ones in charge. So they will loose the their license to publish.

It seems there is freedom of speech and writings but if everything is monitored. Sadly. Thailand preaches that there must be critical thinking but as soon as there is critical thinking, it is not allowed. defamation, section 112, and the computer Crime Act will take care that things are not be seen to public eyes.

Reading foreign news sites are more reliable than the Thai news sites. Most of the time they are faster in bringing news as it doesn,t need to be monitored and adjusted.

Journalists should be able to investigate and publish mis-standings in the society instead of only reading the news and follow the rules. In many countries journalists have done good jobs in such cases. But her in Thailand it is not done. Maybe checking, but that is already the most that can be done, and also the reason why some news is being being updated several times from the original stories. Good and critical investigations would bring too much to the surface I think

The defamation law is ridiculous and aids this suppression.....if I understand it correctly......if you defame someone, proving what you said was true, is not a defence?????

13 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

denied claims that it is monitoring or pressuring news organisations, stating it has no policy to interfere with or block the media.

Oh really, with bIg brother 112 watching over you??

I know a Thai photojournalist personally who had a Thai cop throw a bottle at her face which broke and almost blinded her. You want the truth? Attend some of the meetings at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand. Listen to the vice president of human rights watch talk about the false arrests of journalists for alleged les majeste violations. There is genuine fear among journalists trying to report the truth here when that truth is inconvenient.

Don't know if it is related but BBC News channel has disappeared from my AIS/3BB TV box. Replaced by the Animal Channel in Thai.

If one wants to know what is really happening in Thailand, then formal news outlets are not going to help much.

Some recent news items were about several cases of tainted food and consumers of said food being taken to hospital. In only one case was the offending product mentioned, though not the manufacturer.

In this morning's email inbox, an email from the USA's CDC - recent cases of botulism in babies in the USA linked to baby formula - picture of the offending product provided and manufacturer named. In Thailand, ....

14 hours ago, MIke B Bad said:

The defamation law is ridiculous and aids this suppression.....if I understand it correctly......if you defame someone, proving what you said was true, is not a defence?????

The 'victim' can claim their reputation and/or business is damaged. Whether it is justified is not taken into account, only whether what is claimed is true. The law effectively encourages poor service and attitude. Trip Advisor actually posted a warning about reviewing hotels in Thailand after someone ended up in a police cell for posting a negative comment. In that case the complainer was an idiot looking for trouble, but the message was loud and clear. Be careful what you write or be arrested.