International Journal of Communications Law & Policy

THE THAI MEDIA, CULTURAL POLITICS AND THE NATION-STATE
By Ubonrat Siriyuvasak

Download the Paper in PDF Format: IJCLP Web-Doc 6-3-1999

Abstract

In this paper I want to look at the constitutionalisation of media reform as part of the political and cultural transformation process in contemporary Thai society. The formation of the media space as public space is at the heart of the development of a civil society which a fully democratised public sphere is the inevitable infrastructure. It is argued that the media expansion during the economic boom period does not actually signify a greater degree of freedom of communication for all. Rather, it demonstrates the economic expression of the middle classes and of global capitalists who are in a better position to capture the media space. For over a decade they continue to enjoy the growing freedom and have been able to make their voices heard loudly and constantly. It has, thus, become the hegemonic expression in this emerging public space.

What has been the political will and the role of the state in creating a democratised media infrastructure ? Is control on freedom of speech being relaxed or has censorship taken a new form ? This paper will atttempt to examine how the state is resisting the pressure for media reform vis a vis its effort to construct an image of supporting information and communication rights. During this critical time of economic decline it is particularly important to understand the cultural politics on how different social forces must struggle for media space in order to set their agenda for public attention and solution. Without democratising the media space Thai society is witnessing more and more outcry from those who are politically and economically oppressed. They must take to the street to demonstrate their call for more justice on certain public policies which have a direct effect on their livelihood. For example peasants and fishing villagers, indigenous people who are deprived of their land and livelihood due to dam construction projects, reforestation projects and other large scale public project such as the Yadana gas pipeline project.