MUMBAI: On the second anniversary of the coup in Thailand, BBC Thai is broadcasting live on Facebook, looking back at the events of 22 May 2014 and reflecting on the current situation and mood in the country.
BBC Thai digital-only service was set up on 10 July 2014 in response to the military coup in Thailand, delivering a news stream on social media. Since then BBC Thai has had 27.1 million digital interactions (such as shares, comments and ‘likes’) with an average of 1.1 million interactions every month. BBC Thai’s Facebook page has over 1.22 million fans, 89 per cent of whom are from Thailand.
BBC Thai Editor, Issariya Praithongyaem, who will lead the broadcasts from London, said: “The success of BBC Thai during the last two years demonstrates the need for free, fair and balanced news for Thai audiences. BBC Thai provides a trusted space for comments and opinions on issues that matter to them.”
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The series of lives on the BBC Thai Facebook will kick off at 09.30 GMT (16.30 Bangkok Time) on Friday 20 May. Looking back at how the coup reshaped Thailand, the presenters will share audience comments and personal reflections on the upheaval that changed their lives.
During the day, a live broadcast will come from Bangkok, reflecting on the atmosphere in the Thai capital ahead of the anniversary. Live video feed will come from the BBC New Broadcasting House where a group of London-based Thai students will discuss the changed Thailand they see emerging from the events of the past two years, and their hopes for it.
Issariya will look at how the events of May 2014 led to BBC Thai’s return following the Service’s closure eight years earlier – while a live feed from Bangkok will bring a conversation with scholars on the coup’s impact on the Thai justice system.
On the day of the anniversary itself 22 May 2016, audiences will be taken through Bangkok’s landmarks which witnessed key events and see for themselves how a once flourishing commercial area is now hit hard by the economic downturn.
Live broadcasts on both days will be interspersed with pre-recorded interviews with the opposition and pro-government representatives as well as picture galleries and videos reflecting the theme of the day.
BBC Thai is part of BBC World Service.
