แนวคิดทางการเมือง เศรษฐกิจ สังคมของ "เปลว สีเงิน" : วิเคราะห์จากบทความในหนังสือพิมพ์ไทยรัฐ

Abstract

This study is an attempt to analysis the views of Roj Ngam-maen-whose pen-name is “Plew Si-ngern” on political, economic and social issues expressed in his articles in the “Sabat Pakka Tee Saekna” column in the Thai Rath daily newspaper. A total of 3,166 articles in the column, which appeared regularly on page 5 of the newspaper between 1980 and 1991, were reviewed in the content analysis approaches as recommended by certain sociologists, economists and political scientists-together with personal comments by friends of columnist – were adopted in the content analysis procedure. The structural functionalism theory and four theories of the press were also taken into consideration in the analysis procedure. The following results were found: 1) Most of column’s contents-53.98 per cent-concerned politics. Most of the articles were concerned about national public administration and the performances of prime ministers and their cabinets. Both positive and nagative comments were noted. Apart from governments, Plew Si-ngern commented on politicians (emphasizing their involvement in scandals), political parties, bureaucracy, state enterprises, the military, police and local administrations. 2) 35.44 per cent of the column’s covered social-oriented issues. Plew Si-ngern’s concerns about society ranged from waning social values, moral problems and poor public services, and social safety to environmental and fast declining natural resources. It was obvious that he admired those who devoted themselves to the betterment of society. Other social-oriented issues in the articles included education, religion, youth and women prostitution, mass media labour, laws, sports, crime, disasters and entertainment. 3) 10.58 per cent of the column’s contents referred to the economy. Articles broaches monetary affairs, banking commerce, marketing, investment and agriculture. The columnist called on the incumbent government for more attention to the impoverished agricultural sector, a fair taxation system and income redistribution to the rural areas. Taking an overall perspective of his column, it appeared plew Si-ngern has performed a significant role as a mass communicator. The ideas presested in his writing showed his aim was to protect the public interest. In addition, the column had proposed creatives view and useful suggestions. With his stance and responsibility. Plew Si-ngern deserves to be called a “caring journalist”.