The People's Party (PP) on Monday raised concerns that the axing of the long-running TV programme Inside Thailand, which will cease broadcasting on MCOT's 9 HD channel on June 30, may amount to silencing the press.
PP list-MP Pukkamon Nunarnan claimed in a Facebook post on Monday that there was indeed an order for the show's removal by the "blue regime" -- a term commonly used by critics to refer to the political network associated with the ruling Bhumjaithai Party.
She asked whether the decision to take the show off air was an attempt to "shut the mouth of the media", pointing to the programme's recent criticism of the government's TH-AI Passport project.
Ms Pukkamon posted after TV host Danai Ekmahasawat, widely known as "Ma Kae" (old dog), spoke about the end of his programme. During an online segment following Monday's episode, Danai's co-host Amornrat Mahitthirook read a viewer's question asking why the show was ending. She replied jokingly that the programme had simply "stayed for too long".
In response, Danai reflected on the show's longevity, noting it had survived seven years and five different governments. The programme began during the government of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and continued through the administrations of Srettha Thavisin, Paetongtarn Shinawatra and the two led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
"It's remarkable that we have lasted through five governments over seven years," Danai said.
Meanwhile, the programme's sudden cancellation may be connected to its recent criticism of the TH-AI Passport project, overseen by Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob, according to media reports.
During a recent episode, Danai questioned several aspects of the project's public consultation event held on June 12, noting that the audience appeared similar to attendees at political campaign gatherings.
It was reported that political figures later pressured the broadcaster to remove the programme, allegedly warning that MCOT's board could face changes if such action was not taken.
The report further alleged that Danai's on-air criticisms had angered influential political figures in Buri Ram province, the home base of the Bhumjaithai Party, and that pressure on the broadcaster mounted in the days after the consultation segment aired.
Following the broadcast, the programme's Facebook page officially confirmed that June 30 will be its final day on air.
