BANGKOK POST – NBT supports decision to hire Voice TV talent

The state-owned broadcaster expects fresh faces known for their Pheu Thai slants to be a good draw

Thailand’s National Broadcasting Services (NBT) has defended its decision to offer a weekday news program hosted by the anchors of the now-defunct Voice TV, saying it needs a new viewer-magnet.

The partisan Voice TV, founded by the son of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is rumored to be close to moving some programs to the public television network.

However, they insisted that the Public Relations Department (PRD) would continue to protect the public interest and not be overly political in the tone of its programmes.

PRD Director General Sudruetai Lertkasem said it is common for TV stations to change producers and hire former anchors from rival channels to adapt to the market and boost their ratings.

He said on Saturday that NBT is not only bringing in former news anchors and anchors of Voice TV, but also those who have worked in other channels.

Voice TV has long been known for its outspoken support of the Pyu Thai Party and the Red Shirt United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship.

Ms Sudruetai said PRD recognized the reputation and experience of the former voice talent and hoped to help make the channel more interesting by creating content that gets straight to the point.

However, he affirmed that the PRD will continue to play its role in determining the policy and direction of the NBT2HD in the public interest.

On Tuesday, former Voice host Veeran Kanhar posted on Facebook about a new news show. Kui Khloi Gao, which he will host from Monday to Friday from 8 pm to 9.30 pm. In her post, she also tagged former Voice colleagues including Lakana Punwichai, also known as „Kam Baga”.

Thanabol Evsakul, a friend of Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Zwangrungit, said on Facebook that he did not expect former Voice staff to „take over” NBT in any overt way.

Thanabol, Editor-in-Chief Fah Diew Khan The paper also told people to keep an eye on a newly registered company called Come Tea Co Ltd. Shareholders include Ms Lakhana and former government speaker Theerath Ratanasevi during the Yingluck Shinawatra administration.

Voice TV was founded in 2008 by Panthongde „Oak” Shinawatra with an investment of 300 million baht.

It announced last month that it will stop broadcasting on all platforms on May 31 after 15 years. About 100 journalists and staff were fired.

Voice TV was installed in 2008, when news channels could only be received by satellite TV sets. In 2013, Free Digital TV started broadcasting digital TV in 2014 along with other operators in bidding for broadcast licenses on the terrestrial platform.

According to the Department of Business Development, Voice TV suffered a loss of 800 million baht from 2018-22.