The image of Thaksin Shinawatra in Bangkok Post and The Nation

Abstract

Studying the image of Thaksin in newspapers, especially English language newspapers – the last frontier that Thaksin attacked to maintain his absolute ruling power – one can understand the level of press freedom in Thailand under his regime. The research aims to (a) study the images of Thaksin introduced in Bangkok Post and The Nation through journalese, illustrations and feedbacks from readers; (b) study whether there is a trend in covering Thaksin in both newspapers from the beginning towards the end of his ruling time; (c) study whether there are any differences in covering Thaksin in the two newspapers and (d) study why there is such a trend or such differences. The sample includes one-week coverage of both newspapers in seven most important periods throughout his ruling time. The study utilised both quantitative and qualitative content analysis skills as well as unstructured in-depth interviews. In each of the seven periods, image of Thaksin was depicted with both positive and negative features. There was a trend but not a dramatic one in covering Thaksin. At first, journalists tended to give him a chance, then in the middle of his first term, Thaksin drawbacks became obvious. The media echoed more and more criticisms against him. Though it was very critical at first, Bangkok Post, turned to keep softer voice since early 2004. The Nation has been more consistent, criticising Thaksin on every issue from the beginning till the end of his ruling time. Because while The Nation has been quite independent and free to criticise the government, Bangkok Post has been affected much by the business profit of its owners, which was controlled by Thaksin government.