Government Rejects Sin Tax Law Bid to Control Thai PBS
Government spokesperson Ekkapop Phrianphiset dismissed allegations that a proposed sin‑tax law amendment by the Bhumjaithai Party was intended to seize control of Thai PBS, insisting it only reforms the budget process to be more transparent. He said the bill would not alter Thai PBS’s management or board, and would prevent improper consultancy payments or favorable contracts. The spokesperson added that Thai PBS would remain audience‑driven and that the government cannot direct all public organizations.
The government spokesperson rejected the Bhumjaithai Party's proposal to amend the sin tax law, denying it was a move to take over Thai PBS. Speaking at the Government House on October 5, 2026, Ekkapop Phrianphiset said the bill would not change the management structure of any agency, especially Thai PBS, leaving its board and audience intact; it would only make the budget process transparent and subject to oversight. He said this would rule out improper consultancy fees or contracts with close associates, and stressed that Thai PBS would remain a public‑service broadcaster serving the public’s information needs. When asked whether shifting Thai PBS to the annual budget would affect its news coverage, he noted that Thailand has many public organizations that the government cannot control.
