State Audit Office and Thai PBS dispute financial audit and media interference claims

The State Audit Office of Thailand (SAO) and the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) are engaged in a dispute regarding a financial audit and allegations of media interference. The SAO reported findings of irregularities concerning program production procurement and payments to hosts and guests, with potential damages totaling 85.22 million baht.

In response to accusations of political interference, the SAO spokesperson stated that the investigation is a routine procedure following complaints and is not motivated by political orders. The SAO provided a timeline to clarify that its audit into Thai PBS's budget began on January 26, 2026, prior to a March 27 letter requesting that Thai PBS supervise its journalists' coverage of a previous SAO building collapse incident.

Thai PBS has maintained that its news reporting adheres to legal and professional ethics, asserting that internal reviews found no evidence of distorted reporting. The organization has stated that the audit results are not yet finalized and is prepared to defend its actions through legal channels.