Petition Lodged to Bring Back Peace TV

[Jacob Maslow]

A petition was lodged with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha by representatives of the red-shirt to bring back Peace TV. The station lost its broadcasting license after it was revoked by Prayut.

The complaint states that losing the broadcasting license cost over 100 citizens their job. The group has asked Gen Prayut to discuss the issue with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. The group further states that blocking the broadcast is undemocratic and does not allow Thai citizens to receive information.

The executive director of Peace TV, Thanawut Wichiadit, is not backing down. He states that he will continue to lodge complaints with all relevant agencies and is prepared to bring the matter to the attention of the international community.

On Monday, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission revoked the channel’s license, stating that the channel may stir unrest in the country. The channel had its license temporarily suspended for 7 days earlier in the month.

Mr. Thanawut wants to determine if the decision to revoke the channel’s license was done through a fair assessment, or if there was a special order to revoke the license.

Currently, the matter has gone unanswered with Mr. Thanawut, stating that he is ready to bring the regulators to court if needed.

-- 2015-05-01