In 2017, radio media remained a crucial tool influencing Thai politics. Despite the rapid rise of digital media, radio, especially community and local radio stations, continued to influence political communication in many areas, particularly in rural areas where internet access remained limited. The role of radio in politics encompassed government policy communication, public awareness raising, and community participation in public discourse.
The Role of Radio Media in Thai Politics 2017
1. Government Policy Dissemination
o In 2017, the government used radio as a key channel to disseminate information about state policies and plans, such as the Sufficiency Economy policy, rural development projects, and economic structure reforms.
o State radio programs, like “The King’s Philosophy for Sustainable Development,” were broadcast nationwide to build understanding and public acceptance of policies.
2. Creating Space for Public Participation
o Community radio served as a channel for citizens to express opinions about local issues, politics, and state policies, especially in rural areas.
o Call-in opportunities for listeners to express opinions or raise questions with government agencies helped promote transparency and political participation.
3. Communication During Political Transition
o 2017 was a period when Thailand remained in political reform following the 2014 coup. Radio was used to support understanding of national reconciliation plans and future election frameworks.
o The government used radio to disseminate information about the election roadmap and constitution drafting, which were crucial parts of the democratic process during this time.
4. Raising Awareness on Public Issues
o Radio was used to campaign on important issues such as anti-corruption, promoting national unity, and raising awareness about human rights and democracy.
o In 2017, the government used radio as a key channel to disseminate information about state policies and plans, such as the Sufficiency Economy policy, rural development projects, and economic structure reforms.
o State radio programs, like “The King’s Philosophy for Sustainable Development,” were broadcast nationwide to build understanding and public acceptance of policies.
2. Creating Space for Public Participation
o Community radio served as a channel for citizens to express opinions about local issues, politics, and state policies, especially in rural areas.
o Call-in opportunities for listeners to express opinions or raise questions with government agencies helped promote transparency and political participation.
3. Communication During Political Transition
o 2017 was a period when Thailand remained in political reform following the 2014 coup. Radio was used to support understanding of national reconciliation plans and future election frameworks.
o The government used radio to disseminate information about the election roadmap and constitution drafting, which were crucial parts of the democratic process during this time.
4. Raising Awareness on Public Issues
o Radio was used to campaign on important issues such as anti-corruption, promoting national unity, and raising awareness about human rights and democracy.
Challenges of Radio Media in the 2017 Political Context
1. Control and Regulation
o Some radio stations, especially community radio, faced strict government oversight to prevent the spread of information that might cause political conflict.
o Legal restrictions on freedom of expression resulted in some stations being unable to present critical information or alternative viewpoints freely.
2. Competition from Digital Media
o Online media and social media became primary platforms for political discussion due to their speed and wide accessibility, forcing radio to adapt to maintain listeners.
o Political expression through social media impacted radio’s popularity as a platform for audience expression.
3. Credibility Challenges
o The use of radio to spread biased information or propaganda reduced the credibility of some radio media.
o Listeners began questioning information received from radio, especially content supported by political factions.
o Some radio stations, especially community radio, faced strict government oversight to prevent the spread of information that might cause political conflict.
o Legal restrictions on freedom of expression resulted in some stations being unable to present critical information or alternative viewpoints freely.
2. Competition from Digital Media
o Online media and social media became primary platforms for political discussion due to their speed and wide accessibility, forcing radio to adapt to maintain listeners.
o Political expression through social media impacted radio’s popularity as a platform for audience expression.
3. Credibility Challenges
o The use of radio to spread biased information or propaganda reduced the credibility of some radio media.
o Listeners began questioning information received from radio, especially content supported by political factions.
Radio Media Adaptation in 2017
1. Integration with Online Platforms
o Radio stations began live streaming programs through Facebook Live or YouTube to expand their audience base and increase engagement.
o The use of social media for program promotion and audience engagement helped radio compete better with online media.
2. Focus on Neutral Content
o Radio stations maintaining neutrality and presenting balanced information gained more popularity.
o Programs focusing on education and providing opportunities for all sides to express opinions helped build listener trust.
3. Collaboration with Local Authorities
o Community radio collaborated with local government organizations to disseminate beneficial information to communities, such as local problem-solving and public issue campaigns.
o Radio stations began live streaming programs through Facebook Live or YouTube to expand their audience base and increase engagement.
o The use of social media for program promotion and audience engagement helped radio compete better with online media.
2. Focus on Neutral Content
o Radio stations maintaining neutrality and presenting balanced information gained more popularity.
o Programs focusing on education and providing opportunities for all sides to express opinions helped build listener trust.
3. Collaboration with Local Authorities
o Community radio collaborated with local government organizations to disseminate beneficial information to communities, such as local problem-solving and public issue campaigns.
Conclusion
In 2017, radio media continued to play a significant role in Thai politics, particularly as a communication channel between the state and citizens. However, challenges from digital media competition and political control forced radio to continuously adapt. Creating content that meets listener needs and utilizing new technologies were key strategies that helped radio maintain its role in political processes and building understanding in Thai society.
Primkanokpatch Wongtaweeratana
2017
2017



