Abstract:
This research aims at studying the framing of content in quality newspapers that reflect the Thaksin regime, using the perspective of Friedreich Neitzche as a framework. Two quality newspapers Krungthep thurapit and Post Today are selected for the study. The study uses these methods -- content analysis, in-depth interview with reporters and editors, discourse analysis, and genealogical analysis to help unravel the role and normative performance of the studied news media in reflecting the Thaksin regime to the Thai public. In the discourse analysis, the researcher emphasizes on three main values, postulated to have gone missing in current journalism, as framework ethics, logics, and aesthetics.
The study finds that the studied newspapers frame the Thaksin regime differently in the four selected periods of study:
1) During the first three years (the honeymoon period 2001-2004), the studied newspaperss frame emphasize the prominence of the Thaksin government and Thaksin Shinawatra as a leader;
2) During the period following the sale of Shin Corporation to Temasek Holdings of Singapore (January 2006), the frames uncovered reflected an emphasis on corruption problems and transparency of governance, as well as social pressure for Thaksin to resign;.
3) After the dissolution of government in 2006, the studied newspapers continued to frame on the flaws on the Thaksin regime and to pressure Thaksin to retire from politics;
4) After the 19 September 2006 coup, the studied newspapers framed content about Thaksin regime by following up on issues than remain unresolved from the Thaksin administration.
In sum, the manufactured discourses by the two studied newspapers support Nietzches perspective on ethics that newspapers ethical standards are not permanently based on substantive moral values but rather on temporary self-constructed principles. In logical terms, newspapers are found to be contesting Thaksins rationalization, by discrediting it as personally motivated. As for aesthetic value, ideologies supporting the Thaksin regime are reflected in the newspapers content in the first phase of study while counter-ideologies exposing the evil side of the Thaksin regime are found to be prevalent in the later phases.