Thailand plans content clampdown for TV

If new proposals get the go ahead, a ratings system will prohibit programmes that require parental guidance from airing before 9pm. The five-tiered ratings system is intended to protect children from unsavoury content.

Narong Tresuchon, OMD Thailand’s chief operating officer, described the system as impractical. “We knew about the ratings, but the restrictions on the air time band took us by surprise,” said Narong. “These illogical restrictions were set by academics and intellectuals without consulting the media business.”

Hardest hit would be Channels 3 and 7, popular for soap operas which air in prime 6:30pm slots. Media strategies, said Starcom Thailand MD Triluj Navamarat would have to change. “Soap operas will be replaced by kids’ shows and moved to late-night slots when viewer numbers are low. You can imagine how messy media planning and buying will become.”

However, both believe the proposal will fall through, given the possibility of a general election at the end of the year. If the draft is not passed this year, it would fall under the purview of the new Government which would have more urgent imperatives than TV restrictions, said Narong.

In a separate development, the country’s National Economic and Social Advisory Council has called for a ban on ‘junk food’ ads from children’s TV programmes.