Thai PBS defends financial independence amid procurement scrutiny

Thai PBS has issued a statement addressing recent controversies regarding its procurement processes and financial structure. The organization emphasized the necessity of its current funding model—derived from a percentage of liquor and tobacco taxes—to ensure a ‘Financial Independence Guarantee.’ This mechanism is intended to prevent political and corporate interference, allowing the public broadcaster to maintain impartiality as mandated by the Thai PBS Act of 2008.

In response to scrutiny over specific procurement methods, Thai PBS has taken corrective actions. The organization announced the cancellation of a 500,000 baht contract to hire social media influencers after a review of the project's cost-effectiveness and alignment with its public service mission. Additionally, reports have highlighted specific direct-selection contracts, including 2,330,000 baht in agreements with a Thammasat University professor for the ‘Thai PBS Verify’ project.

The organization maintains that its procurement processes are lawful and has expressed a commitment to organizational reform and good governance to ensure transparency and public accountability.