Thai PBS faces calls for major structural reform

Boonlert Kachayuthadet, a former member of the Thai PBS Policy Committee and a senior journalist, has called for a major structural reform of the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS). In a social media post, he criticized the organization's current management and operational efficiency.

Kachayuthadet highlighted concerns regarding the organization's budget, which is funded by a 1.5 percent excise tax on alcohol and tobacco, totaling up to 2,000 million baht annually. He noted that a significant portion of these funds is directed toward salaries, benefits, and compensation for executives and staff, which has grown to nearly 1,300 employees.

Specific criticisms were raised regarding high compensation for retired officials rehired as coaches or special experts, with some receiving monthly salaries of 100,000 to 300,000 baht. He questioned the necessity of such a large workforce in the digital age, contrasting Thai PBS with other media organizations that have downsized to remain viable.