Bangkok Post Management Gov't Lapdogs?

[hacknew]

Given all the 'experts' espousing opinions on this board and other web boards not so long ago WRT the Bangkok Post and sweeping cutbacks, I'm surprised there's been no comment here. Or maybe I missed it. Here's the crux. Late on Thursday a Board decision was made to shift the editor, Veera, to an "inactive post". In some Thai reports and according to some staff, the reason was the killing of a story about a fashion show. No. This has been on the cards for months if not a year. On Friday, executive editor Kowit, often derided by employees as a pen-pushing admin boss, is now editor. The decision by the board outraged employees as it's well-known that Veera, as editor of the Post and boss of the Thai Journalists Association, indirectly (and sometimes directly) criticised the government, especially towards the end of 2003. Also on Friday, 77 journalists signed a letter to the Board expressing their concern and entered a meeting with the Board. This had no effect. Read The Nation for more details and check out Bangkok Post Board of Directors for the Post's Board to find clues as to business interests and affiliations.

[cdnvic]

I don't think he was removed because he wasn't a govt lapdog, as I've always seen the post that way insofar as its editorial style, its that he wasn't enough of a lapdog. While the other paper was screaming about a coverup of the birdflu, the Post published editorials that were bootlicking at best. Lately in what I interpret as a face saving measure aimed at people with half a brain who saw through the coverup all along, the Post became somewhat more critical of the government. That was the last straw.

I expect the boot licking to return to normal next week. The upside is that most people will now see through it... I hope.

cv