Thai PBS says SAO probe into alleged misuse of funds is not yet concluded

Thai PBS has insisted that the State Audit Office (SAO)’s investigation into the alleged misuse of 85.22 million baht in funding has not yet been concluded and that the matter should be handled between the two agencies.

Thai PBS Deputy Director Piset Chiyasak warned that unverified information circulating on social media could cause public misunderstanding.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Piset said claims circulating online alleged that the SAO had faulted a director and 10 other staff members over the use of funds for certain procurement projects and the hiring of freelancers to provide news content. The claims also alleged that the SAO had demanded the return of 85.22 million baht to the state.

Piset said Thai PBS had not received any official report from the SAO and therefore could not confirm whether the information circulating online was accurate.

He explained that an SAO investigation of this nature is intended to identify deficiencies in a state agency and recommend measures to address them. Its findings would not constitute a verdict or automatically result in formal punishment, he said.

Thai PBS has the right to present facts in its defence if it disagrees with the SAO’s findings or recommendations, he added.

Piset said information about an ongoing investigation should not be disseminated before Thai PBS is officially notified, as this could create the false impression that the broadcaster or its staff had already been found at fault, even though the investigation had not been concluded and the individuals concerned had not been given an opportunity to defend themselves.

He stressed that Thai PBS did not oppose the SAO’s investigation and was ready to consider its recommendations for improvement, but wanted a fair opportunity to present its side of the story.

Piset said Thai PBS remained committed to transparency and good governance. Once the broadcaster receives the SAO’s official report, it will exercise its legal rights and consider implementing any useful recommendations.

He also insisted that Thai PBS had spent its earmarked funding from tobacco and alcohol taxes in accordance with fiscal discipline and state procurement laws. Its spending was subject to checks and audits by the SAO and other regulatory bodies, he added.

“We don’t want to dramatise the issue or play anybody’s game … Whenever we disagree, we can make adjustments and talk, which should be better,” Piset said.

Main photo: Thai PBS Deputy Director Piset Chiyasak