Citizen Groups Petition Bhumjaithai Party Over Public Media Funding Bill
A coalition of 15 civil society organizations has formally requested that the Bhumjaithai Party withdraw a proposed amendment to the Thai Public Broadcasting Service Act.
On October 20, 2026, a coalition of 15 civil society organizations submitted a formal petition to the Bhumjaithai Party, urging the withdrawal of a draft amendment concerning the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) and three associated funds. According to reports from Matichon Online, the groups expressed significant concerns that the proposed changes to the revenue structure could potentially favor private corporate interests rather than maintaining the public-interest mandate of these institutions.
For residents and expatriates, this development is notable as it concerns the governance and financial independence of Thailand’s public media landscape. Changes to how public broadcasting is funded can influence the editorial independence and the nature of information provided to the public. While the petition highlights a growing debate regarding the transparency and management of public funds, it remains to be seen how the Bhumjaithai Party will respond to these demands and whether the legislative process for the amendment will be paused or modified.
As of now, the draft remains under scrutiny by these civil society groups, and no official decision has been announced by the party regarding the withdrawal of the bill. Observers are waiting to see if this pressure will lead to public hearings or a formal revision of the proposed legislative changes.
