BANGKOK, 26 August 2011 – Prime Minister’s Office Minister Kitsana Sihalak has shrugged off concerns over her duties after she has been assigned to take care of state media. She said she will encourage the press to work for national reconciliation.
Speaking about her operational framework, Ms Kitsana said that she wants to see the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) to be a constructive station for communities and local people.
The minister elaborated the NBT should allocate more time to members of rural communities by inviting their participation in publicizing their provinces as well as educate the public in many aspects from science to arts and culture, tourism and religions.
As for the Mass Communications Organisation of Thailand (MCOT), Ms Kitsana wants the state enterprise to be a quality news station with efficient management, present news and information to the ASEAN region and provide appropriate return for shareholders.
Asked if the minister has any worries to oversee state media, Ms Kitsana said she always welcomes suggestions and criticisms. She admitted that producers of any television programmes with tendency to spark national division must be called for discussion because the government wants to press on reconciliation.
Ms Kitsana added that she is working on the format of the weekly television show for Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra upon requests of the society. As for a television show for the opposition, she said this issue will be mulled over again.
