NCPO to keep Phuket radio stations off air, concerned about rogue DJs

PHUKET: Despite not being under investigation by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), radio stations in Phuket have been ordered to remain off air due to concerns that rogue DJs could cause disharmony, the Phuket Gazette was told.

“The private radio stations are to remain off air because we don’t want to chance someone talking on air about the political situation in a way that could cause turmoil,” said Commanding General of the 41st Military Circle Peerapol Wiriyakul.

“None of them are under investigation. However, they are to remain silent until NCPO chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha changes the current policy.”

Popular local station Phuket Island Radio 91.5FM fell silent in compliance with the order on May 25.

The only Phuket station still broadcasting is Gazette radio partner BlueWave 90.5FM, which is operated under a license granted by the Public Relations Department.

Army deputy spokesman Lt Col Winthai Suwaree on May 25 explained that the army was targeting a total of 14 “community radio stations” and local television networks.

The NCPO is working out solutions for allowing the 14 banned satellite TV stations to resume their broadcasts, he said.

The NCPO would be willing to talk to the 14 stations if they had solutions to ensure that broadcasts would not cause turmoil in the country, Col Winthai added.

— Woranut Pechdee