Thai PBS director’s dismissal draws strong criticism and widespread outcry

[webfact]

Thai PBS director’s dismissal draws strong criticism and widespread outcry



BANGKOK: -- The abrupt termination of employment contract of Thai PBS director Somchai Suwanban by the station's board of governors drew strong criticism from several media academics who described such action was deplorable.

Meanwhile the board’s action also sparked off widespread outcry from its staff and audience with numerous views voicing morale support for the Thai PBS director.

Professional journalist Somkiat Onwimon posted on his twitter account expressing regret over the harsh action taken by the board for what he described “under the leadership of professionals, but of other occupation.”

He admired the Thai PBS director for being a professional in media.

Former president of the National Press Council of Thailand Mr Chakkrish Permpoon also wrote on his Facebook questioning the action of the Thai PBS’s board of governors.

He said the action was not a personal error but the error and evil of the system that picked persons with no understanding of journalism to make decisions on journalism matters.

It was even worse when it has no courage enough to protect the independence of the Thai PBS station, but instead to give in to the powers that be trying to interfere and dictate the working independence of the station, he stated.

But he said he was ready to listen to both sides, adding that the board might have reasons in reaching the unanimous decision to terminate his employment, while the director has to prove himself clearly and that must be be acceptable to the society.

He said the termination was not a personal affairs but is a matter of independence of the news media which is the ultimate goal in the media reform.

He said press associations could not stay put and allow the Thai PBS director to fight alone if the fight is truly for the station’s independence.

Meanwhile latest post by Mr Somchai on his Twitter account said he will put off his planned petition to the Administrative Court this afternoon saying he will give testimony to the fact finding committee on a procurement project which he was accused and was reason he was sacked.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/thai-pbs-directors-dismissal-draws-strong-criticism-and-widespread-outcry

-- Thai PBS 2015-10-12

[Tatsujin]

“under the leadership of professionals, but of other occupation.”

says it all ...

[Fat Haggis]

under the leadership of professionals, but of other occupation.

says it all ...

The wheels are wobbling

[Tatsujin]

under the leadership of professionals, but of other occupation.

says it all ...

The wheels are wobbling

"if" there were wheels, they either were not fitted in the first place, or have long ago fallen off ...

[Bluespunk]

Clumsy, clumsy, clumsy.