The “digital switchover” is a critical juncture for the political economy of the broadcasting sector in Thailand. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) is at the center of a major struggle that will redefine the future of the Thai broadcasting landscape. In this context and as part of its work on the media reform process, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Thailand with the cooperation of Siam Intelligence Unit (SIU) have initiated a serie of articles that will serve as a basis of discussion for civil society group to develop upon a common strategy to actively promote public interest.

I. The political economy of broadcasting media

The article shed a light on the balance of power between the various players and how the outcome of the digital switchover will affect the political economy landscape. More generally, the article questions the consequences of the political economy of the media on the quality of Thai democracy.