Bangkok Post
Thai PBS funding in spotlight
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A proposal by the ruling Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) to amend laws governing four public bodies has sparked debate over their funding and accountability.
Key facts
- Section 82 exempts existing laws from this restriction, but Mr Suphachai views the exemption as a transitional measure.
- Under the law, Thai PBS receives funding equivalent to 1.5% of excise taxes collected on alcohol and tobacco, subject to an annual ceiling of 2 billion baht.
- A proposal by the ruling Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) to amend laws governing four public bodies has sparked debate over their funding and accountability.
- They are the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS), the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), the Elderly Fund and the National Sports Development Fund
- Thai PBS is drawing the most attention as the country's first public television station, established in 2008 as part of media reform efforts.
Summary
They are the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS), the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), the Elderly Fund and the National Sports Development Fund. All four receive earmarked revenue from alcohol and tobacco excise taxes.
The proposal, spearheaded by BJT legal affairs chairman Suphachai Jaismut, seeks to change how the organisations are funded. Thai PBS is drawing the most attention as the country's first public television station, established in 2008 as part of media reform efforts.