NBTC says Peace Keeping Center (PKC) cannot shut Blue Sky Channel

[webfact]

NBTC says PKC cannot shut Blue Sky Channel

BANGKOK: -- A commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) yesterday assured all satellite-based TV channels and Internet service providers (ISP) that the Peace Keeping Center (PKC) cannot shut their operations as the power rested with the national regulator.

Assurance by the commissioner, Supinya Klangnarong, came as there is widespread rumor that Blue Sky Channel and T News will be shut down by the PKC over accusations that their live broadcast of anti-government protest inciting peace and order.

Ms Supinya said that closure of TV channels now was not possible and unlike the past when they could be closed easily because many of them operating illegally and also there was no national regulator.

But she said that now most satellite TVs obtained operation licenses from the NBTC over a year and over 100 of them whose licenses are going to expire now have their license extended by the NBTC.

She said Blue Sky has its license extended for another two years since there was no complaint being lodged against the channel.

Therefore, she said, the station could not be shut down easily like in the previous time.

But she maintained that the PKC might request the NBTC to shut the station under the state of emergency declaration.

However the NBTC might not follow its request as it is the sole authority of the NBTC of which its power is clearly stated in the law.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/nbtc-says-pkc-shut-blue-sky-channel/


-- Thai PBS 2014-01-23

[jaidam]

There is no way the Thaksin administration would want to ban Blue Sky channel. As firm proponents of democracy and democratic principles they facilitate free speech and welcome criticism equally. Since winning their "landslide" election they have behaved in accordance with the law at all times, respected all court decisions, and never participated in nepotism, corrupt activities, non-transparent contracts, and sneaking billions of baht overseas to a man that boasted about being the recipient. They have nothing to be afraid of, do they?

[PREM-R]

Yes it would be a shame to remove it, here in Khon Kaen it is almost as popular as 'Ching Roy, Ching Lan' as slapstick entertainment. Suthep's pantomime show provides great mirth for the Pee Nong - Na Krap.

Edited January 23, 2014 by PREM-R

[NongKhaiKid]

If this government can happily ignore rulings by the Constitution Court the Telecommunications Commission isn't going to bother them.

[icommunity]

The emergency power supersede the power of NBTC if there is evidence that the station violated emergency law beside Terms and Conditions of the license.

Edited January 23, 2014 by icommunity

[ratcatcher]

Good to see someone standing up to PTP.

She does have a history....http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supinya_Klangnarong

[Scamper]

Any laws stated here will likely not be acknowledged by this administration, which is now prepared to engage in the task of neutering the media. Freedom of expression may be deemed invaluable to some. But to this administration it is just one more hurdle to dominate and overcome.

[siampolee]

Censorship.

The weapon so beloved by despots.Just a preview of what life or rather ones existence would be like under a Thaksin dictatorship.

Desperate ends lead to desperate means. Certainly it would seem as if the current actions are indicative of cornered rats fighting for their lives.

[ratcatcher]

Censorship.

The weapon so beloved by despots.Just a preview of what life or rather ones existence would be like under a Thaksin dictatorship.

Desperate ends lead to desperate means. Certainly it would seem as if the current actions are indicative of cornered rats fighting for their lives.

".......cornered rats fighting for their lives."

What a perfectly delicious image.

[lungmi]

The emergency power supersede the power of NBTC if there is evidence that the station violated emergency law beside Terms and Conditions of the license.

You are right for Red Shirt radio stations and TV channels, but not for Blue Sky Channel.

[icommunity]

The emergency power supersede the power of NBTC if there is evidence that the station violated emergency law beside Terms and Conditions of the license.

You are right for Red Shirt radio stations and TV channels, but not for Blue Sky Channel.

What are you mumbling about?

[gabruce]

There is no way the Thaksin administration would want to ban Blue Sky channel. As firm proponents of democracy and democratic principles they facilitate free speech and welcome criticism equally. Since winning their "landslide" election they have behaved in accordance with the law at all times, respected all court decisions, and never participated in nepotism, corrupt activities, non-transparent contracts, and sneaking billions of baht overseas to a man that boasted about being the recipient. They have nothing to be afraid of, do they?

I should have known that someone with a budweiser avatar would have an outstanding sense of humour.

[tingtongteesood]

The emergency power supersede the power of NBTC if there is evidence that the station violated emergency law beside Terms and Conditions of the license.

You are right for Red Shirt radio stations and TV channels, but not for Blue Sky Channel.

I assume by this you are referring to what happened in 2010. However there is a very big difference between 'KILL THE ARISTOCRATS, DESTROY THE ARISTOCRATS !!!' which is what the red propaganda media machine was pouring out in 2010 and what is happening right now, the protestor 'leaders' today are not trying to incite the protestors to kill people or commit violent acts, it is civil disobedience which is rather different though has led to a little violence, though the government caretakers are equally guilty for that in my opinion, some could argue it is wrong too, I happen to think the current protests are the only thing standing between a Taksin dictatorship and not so I support them fully....