MCOT
MCOT Public Company Limited—formerly the Mass Communication Organization of Thailand—is a state‑owned public broadcaster reporting to the Office of the Prime Minister and headquartered in Bangkok. Today, MCOT operates two national television channels, a network of radio stations (seven nationwide plus about 52–53 local outlets), an international radio service, and the Thai News Agency.
The company has undertaken efforts to modernize its services, expand digital operations, and diversify its revenue streams. In addition to broadcasting, it has ventured into content licensing, TV shopping, and digital streaming platforms. Its flagship television channel, MCOT HD (Channel 30), now reaches more than 95% of Thai households. The Thai News Agency, a key subsidiary established in 1977, continues to serve as the principal news producer for MCOT’s platforms and remains one of Thailand’s most prominent state news services.
Media assets
Radio: Nationwide- MCOT Radio, Labor’s Radio, Lukthung Mahanakhon, Khluen Khwam Khit, Keep it Mellow, Active Radio, News Network, Eazy FM, Met 107; Local- 53 stations
Television: MCOT HD (Channel 30), MCOT Family (Channel 14), Channel 9, Thai TV3
News agency: Thai News Agency
State Media Matrix Typology
Captured Public/State-Owned Media (CaPu)
Ownership and governance
MCOT is a state-controlled public company that reports directly to the Office of the Prime Minister. The transformation from a government agency to a public company occurred in 2004, when the Mass Communication Organization of Thailand was corporatized and registered as MCOT Public Company Limited. Later that year, it was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
Despite its public company status, MCOT remains under substantial state control. The Ministry of Finance holds a majority stake of approximately 65.8%, while the Government Savings Bank—a state-owned financial institution—owns an additional 11.5%. The remaining shares are publicly traded. While the Ministry of Finance retains the authority to appoint members to the board of directors, MCOT has adopted a hybrid governance model that also allows for the appointment of independent professionals, reflecting a gradual shift toward more modern corporate oversight.
MCOT also holds stakes in two subsidiaries: Panorama Worldwide Company Limited and Seed MCOT Company Limited. These subsidiaries support the company’s expansion into documentary production, youth programming, and digital content development.
In early February 2025, MCOT held a Board Meeting, during which Wuttipong Jittungsakul was appointed as a director, replacing the outgoing Chanvit Nakburee. He is expected to serve through the 2026 annual general meeting. Jittungsakul holds a Master’s degree in Development Economics from the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) and has previously served in advisory roles at the Ministry of Finance and as Inspector General of that ministry.
Teerapong Wongsiwawilas has been Chairman of the board since May 2023. He previously served as Secretary-General to the Cabinet and held senior roles within the Secretariat of the Cabinet, later becoming an advisor to the Prime Minister until late 2022. He also served as Executive Director for Judicial Administration at Thailand’s Court of Justice.
Source of funding and budget
MCOT’s primary source of income is commercial advertising, supplemented by content licensing, property rental, and digital revenue streams. In 2020, the company reported revenues of approximately THB 1.5 billion (US$47.3 million), with most income derived from traditional broadcast advertising. That figure decreased slightly in 2022, when MCOT’s total turnover stood at THB 1.4 billion (US$38.7 million), amid a sluggish recovery in the post-pandemic media market.
In 2023, however, the company posted a significant financial upswing. Total revenues reached THB 2.38 billion (US$67 million), driven largely by gains from fair value adjustments of its investment properties. Net profits for the year amounted to THB 587 million (US$16.5 million), marking a rare period of profitability after several years of underperformance. This trend appeared to reverse in 2024 when MCOT posted a net loss of THB 316 million.
The company has committed to diversifying its revenue base. As of 2024, its Digital and New Business division accounted for more than 20% of total revenues, with plans underway to grow that figure significantly through online content syndication, program archives monetization, and digital-first advertising.
Editorial independence
MCOT has taken steps to improve transparency and professional standards in its operations, and it regularly publishes detailed annual reports outlining its performance and ethical commitments. The company has also established internal guidelines and editorial codes of conduct for its journalists. However, these safeguards have not been codified in law or statute, and no formal framework exists to guarantee editorial independence from the government.
Although MCOT maintains a reputation for professional journalism in many of its segments, it remains politically cautious. Local journalists interviewed for this report in early 2024 and in March 2025 noted that MCOT outlets tend to avoid direct criticism of the Thai military or central government authorities. While no official censorship orders are known to exist, indirect pressures are frequently reported,including internal warnings, editorial line-setting from senior managers, and, in some cases, the dismissal of journalists deemed too critical of state institutions.
Despite these limitations, MCOT continues to provide a wide range of public service content, including education, cultural programming, and disaster communication. Yet its editorial autonomy remains limited when reporting intersects with the political interests of the government or the military.
August 2025