Bangkok Post editor removed from role

Local Hua Hin and regional Thailand news articles and discussion.
User avatar
caller
Hero
Hero
Posts: 10957
Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2005 6:05 pm
Location: Hua Hin

Bangkok Post editor removed from role

Post by caller »

This is rather worrying. It seems Umesh Pandy allowed a very critical front page article about the Junta on Friday and he was removed from his position on Monday.

Khaosod report the BP's Deputy Chief Operating Officer Nha-Kran Loahavilai stated, amongst many other things, the following:

Nha-Kran said the last straw resulting in Umesh’s removal came in a meeting recent during which board executives chided him for running a one-sided story critical of the regime when the company was about to invite junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha to an event celebrating the paper’s 72nd birthday.

“We pleaded with him, and let me repeat the word, we pleaded. We pleaded with him. ‘Umesh, can you reconsider what you’re doing?’” Nha-Kran said. “Then he pulled a tantrum. He said he’s done so many good things. He acted like he didn’t give a damn about the company. This happened right in the board meeting.”

“And it wasn’t the first time. He’s done it three, four times. No one pressured him at all. The board saw his actions and thought we could not work together,” he added.


Got to be honest, it seems to me that Hha-Kran really shouldn't be allowed within a 100km of the newspaper. So that's it, no editorial independence admitted and fawning to the Junta's PM is more impoerant.

For sure, there's the usual bad mothing about Pandy after he's gone. But the above statement speaks volumes.

Guardian article here:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/ ... government

Bangkok Post statement here:

https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/genera ... l-autonomy

Khaosod article here:

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/ ... gkok-post/
Talk is cheap
User avatar
buksida
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 22476
Joined: Tue Dec 31, 2002 12:25 pm
Location: south of sanity

Re: Bangkok Post editor removed from role

Post by buksida »

Press freedom in Thailand ... now that's a joke!
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
oakdale160
Rock Star
Rock Star
Posts: 4657
Joined: Sat Jul 06, 2013 9:51 pm

Re: Bangkok Post editor removed from role

Post by oakdale160 »

The BP is in a strange position. The rulers know that as it is written in English it is read outside the country and its critical articles will reveal the unrest about the junta to the rest of the world. I better not say any more
Norseman
Rock Star
Rock Star
Posts: 4665
Joined: Tue May 10, 2005 12:13 pm
Location: Hua Hin

Re: Bangkok Post editor removed from role

Post by Norseman »

Everybody knows there are no Press Freedom in Thailand. That is a fact and nothing to speculate about or even discuss.
The present ruler in Thailand, General or whatever Mr. Prajut, wants total control of the media and is closing in on his Chinese counterparts in keeping control of his countrymen.
The problem, that I see it, is that the average and non educated Thai people really seem to believe what this former General is saying.
Prajut recently (a couple of days ago) was up in Buriram promising to build roads and strengthen the communication/infrastructure between the cities in Khorat and the rest of Thailand.
As most of you are very well aware of; Khorat is the main bastion of the Red Skirts and this moron Mr. Prajut and the military.
I was in Buriram the day the General opened his mouth and said an endless streams of words in the direction of this crowd on Buriram United Stadium.
Most people that I met up with was in fact angry and many of them pointed their finger at him while saying boom.
All I can say is that this part of Thailand is still Thaksin friendly and that's why they want a political change in the country.
After all Thaksin helped the farmers with establishing a surviveable price on rice and other farmers products.
The people up Northeast (Isaan) doesen't receive much help from Bangkok.
The infrastructure built between Bangkok and Isaan was built because of very strong influence by a few, but powerful Isaan politicians (Thongsri is one of them).
If Prajut keeps his promise then I expect he will fix the roads between Nong Ki and Nang Rong, then between Nang Rong and Buriram.
Perhaps also the road between Buriram and Surin also?
But the thing is: the average farmer in Isaan doesent believe or thrust their General.
Who can blame them?
Felipesed1
Professional
Professional
Posts: 332
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2015 8:44 am

Re: Bangkok Post editor removed from role

Post by Felipesed1 »

Norseman, the fact that you are allowed to call Prayut a "moron", (which is a lie), would seem to show that there is some press freedom.
Umesh Pandy has repeatedly shown a lot of anti-government bias in the Bangkok Post, with never any criticism of Pheu Thai.
Perhaps the newspaper can now revert to a fair coverage.

Now, you say "The problem, that I see it, is that the average and non educated Thai people really seem to believe what this former General is saying."

Perhaps they believe him because they know he is trying to put the country back together, but, of course, YOU know better than Thai people.
To call your attitude arrogant would be an understatement!
User avatar
buksida
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 22476
Joined: Tue Dec 31, 2002 12:25 pm
Location: south of sanity

Re: Bangkok Post editor removed from role

Post by buksida »

Speaking of press crackdowns ... Thai PBS English has not published since the end of April - http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/

A notice came through their RSS feed a couple of weeks ago stating that "there were changes ahead and the site was going offline until further notice". Coincidence?
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
User avatar
caller
Hero
Hero
Posts: 10957
Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2005 6:05 pm
Location: Hua Hin

Re: Bangkok Post editor removed from role

Post by caller »

Felipesed1 wrote: Thu May 17, 2018 8:17 amUmesh Pandy has repeatedly shown a lot of anti-government bias in the Bangkok Post, with never any criticism of Pheu Thai.
Ah, so you're one of the trolls that plague the comments section of BP!

Now let's just dissect what you have had to say. So the (ex) editor of the BP has shown a lot of anti-Government bias. You mean by reporting on an illegal Governments take over and management of the Country, the ongoing repression, inaction on corruption (the ticket they justified the coup over), mismanagement of the economy, banning political parties and so on. Well, isn't that what a free press should be doing? Holding Govt's to account for their actions - praise when it is due and criticism when it isn't.

Then you say there is never any criticism of Pheu Thai. Well why would there be? Along with other political parties they are effectively banned and have had no say in running the Country for over 4-years. Just what should they be criticised about exactly?

If you're not aware, one of the main aims of this junta is to completely eradicate Pheu Thai and their vote, hence the Junta and PM breaking it's own laws on political gatherings as per Buriram the other day. What do you think would be the outcome if Pheu Thai tried to stage a similar event?
Talk is cheap
User avatar
dtaai-maai
Hero
Hero
Posts: 14180
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:00 pm
Location: UK, Robin Hood country

Re: Bangkok Post editor removed from role

Post by dtaai-maai »

Felipesed1 wrote: Thu May 17, 2018 8:17 am Norseman, the fact that you are allowed to call Prayut a "moron", (which is a lie), would seem to show that there is some press freedom.
Umesh Pandy has repeatedly shown a lot of anti-government bias in the Bangkok Post, with never any criticism of Pheu Thai.
Perhaps the newspaper can now revert to a fair coverage.

Now, you say "The problem, that I see it, is that the average and non educated Thai people really seem to believe what this former General is saying."

Perhaps they believe him because they know he is trying to put the country back together, but, of course, YOU know better than Thai people.
To call your attitude arrogant would be an understatement!
Wow, my flabber is well and truly gasted... :shock:
This is the way
hhinner
Rock Star
Rock Star
Posts: 4291
Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2012 2:17 pm

Re: Bangkok Post editor removed from role

Post by hhinner »

Well to be fair this government did get lottery ticket prices under control.

Almost.

User avatar
caller
Hero
Hero
Posts: 10957
Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2005 6:05 pm
Location: Hua Hin

Re: Bangkok Post editor removed from role

Post by caller »

hhinner wrote: Thu May 17, 2018 2:13 pm Well to be fair this government did get lottery ticket prices under control.

Almost.
LOL! I see that has returned to normal now - with different prices again.
Talk is cheap
Felipesed1
Professional
Professional
Posts: 332
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2015 8:44 am

Re: Bangkok Post editor removed from role

Post by Felipesed1 »

Caller you wrote:
"Ah, so you're one of the trolls that plague the comments section of BP!"

I have never commented on BP, so try again with your attempted slurs.

Prayut is trying to fix the problems, but he is one man, and corruption is very deeply-rooted here.
I think he should have started with reform of the police, but there is considerable opposition to overcome, and he cannot be sure he has the total backing of the NCPO.

The same as Donald Trump is trying to clean the Washington sewer that is Congress and the Senate but is encountering the same entrenched powers trying to delay reform.

As the "illegal government takeover" as you phrase it, had the backing of the majority of Thai people, do you think that us guests here should be so critical?

As for eradicating Pheu Thai, well that would be a bonus, but keeping the owner and bankroller out of Thailand will be good enough.

Thaksins support will dissipate when the money stops flowing in.
User avatar
huahin4ever
Ace
Ace
Posts: 1076
Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2012 12:07 pm
Location: Hua Hin

Re: RE: Re: Bangkok Post editor removed from role

Post by huahin4ever »


Felipesed1 wrote:Prayut is trying to fix the problems, but he is one man, and corruption is very deeply-rooted here.
I think he should have started with reform of the police, but there is considerable opposition to overcome, and he cannot be sure he has the total backing of the NCPO.
He isn't even able to end corruption within his inner circle! (Expensive watches, ring a bell anyone?) 555!
YNWA
User avatar
STEVE G
Hero
Hero
Posts: 12798
Joined: Mon Apr 03, 2006 3:50 am
Location: HUA HIN/EUROPE

Re: Bangkok Post editor removed from role

Post by STEVE G »

As the "illegal government takeover" as you phrase it, had the backing of the majority of Thai people, do you think that us guests here should be so critical?
If it had the backing of the majority of the people, why the need for the draconian article 44 to stifle dissent?
User avatar
caller
Hero
Hero
Posts: 10957
Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2005 6:05 pm
Location: Hua Hin

Re: Bangkok Post editor removed from role

Post by caller »

Felipesed1 wrote: Thu May 17, 2018 5:06 pmPrayut is trying to fix the problems, but he is one man, and corruption is very deeply-rooted here.

As the "illegal government takeover" as you phrase it, had the backing of the majority of Thai people, do you think that us guests here should be so critical?

As for eradicating Pheu Thai, well that would be a bonus, but keeping the owner and bankroller out of Thailand will be good enough.

Thaksins support will dissipate when the money stops flowing in.
What do you mean he's trying to fix the problem? Where, when, how? You got some sort of insight the rest of us haven't?

How on Earth can you claim the the coup had the backing of the majority of the Thai people? You got some sort of insight the rest of us haven't?

Why would it be a bonus to eradicate Pheu Thai, who have won every election since what, 2000? So you're not a fan of democracy then? Why do you think Herr General is spending so much time trying to woo PT supporters and seeking to turn PT MP's away from the party? Because he knows that they will be re-elected again if he doesn't act. And whilst he was free to play politics to 30,000 or whatever in Buriram, 3 members of PT's executive are facing prosecution for daring to hold a press conference, something they have done before without any issues. The screw is beginning to turn.
Last edited by caller on Thu May 17, 2018 9:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Talk is cheap
User avatar
caller
Hero
Hero
Posts: 10957
Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2005 6:05 pm
Location: Hua Hin

Re: Bangkok Post editor removed from role

Post by caller »

By the by, for the last two Sunday's, Vorani has written critical opinions for the Bangkok Post. It will be interesting to see if he re-appears this coming Sunday.
Talk is cheap
Post Reply