Thai PBS Defends Host Hires Amid State Audit Probe
Thai PBS said it is puzzling that the State Audit Office rushed its investigation during the public hearing period, denying that new executives have claimed extra travel allowances. The broadcaster explained that high‑paid hosts are hired to attract viewers and that production companies were engaged due to staff overload, while officials urged fairness in handling leaked audit documents.
Thai PBS said it was puzzling that the State Audit Office rushed its investigation during the public hearing period, asserting that new executives have not claimed extra travel allowances, explaining that high‑paid hosts are hired to attract viewers, and insisting that production companies were engaged due to staff overload. At a press briefing on 14 October 2069, Deputy Directors Piset Jiyasan and Adisak Limprungphatthanakorn answered reporters' questions about whether the audit was politically motivated or unfair. Piset said the audit office's claim of setting up a special committee due to complaints was within its rights and responsibility, noting that Thai PBS is audited annually and has its own internal audit committee selected according to SEC standards, audited three times a year. He found it odd that the State Audit Office conducted many reviews and set up a special committee while the public hearing was still underway, suggesting undue haste. He stressed his comments were personal and not those of Thai PBS. Regarding leaked audit documents that appeared in the media on 8 October, Piset said he learned of the leak on that date and issued an immediate statement on 9 October saying Thai PBS had not yet received the documents; after receiving them on 10 October, the organization sought to reserve its right to rebuttal by preparing a letter challenging why confidential information had been released. Adisak added that, while he understands the media's position, the organization only asks for fairness when facing allegations that could cause damage, and that those affected individually should be given a chance to respond. On host fees reported as high as 40,000 baht per person or hundreds of thousands per episode, Adisak said rates depend on the individual, citing veteran host Weera Tharapat as an example of receiving both high and low pay, comparable to lead actors versus extras. He said Thai PBS hires well-known personalities as magnets to strengthen its lineup because the station lacks standout talent and must compete. Regarding the State Audit Office's letter criticising Thai PBS, the broadcaster said it would await the outcome of the review process.
