Channel 5 is also known as the Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Station. The broadcaster commenced operations in 1958.
Media assets
Television: Channel 5
State Media Matrix Typology: State-Controlled (SC)
Ownership and governance
Channel 5 is operated by the Royal Thai Army, which has complete authority over all matters pertaining to the outlet’s management and governance.
Source of funding and budget
Local journalists and experts interviewed for this report in March 2023 and January 2024 have confirmed that Channel 5 is fully financed through subsidies from the Royal Thai Army.
Editorial independence
Channel 5, an army-operated broadcaster, adheres to the editorial line imposed by the military, as reported by local journalists and experts in March 2023 and January 2024.
To date, no domestic statute and no independent mechanism to assess the editorial independence of Channel 5 have been identified.
September 2024