Abstract:
To understand the roles and influences of community-based radios with regard to relation of powers within Thai society. It uses as case study the Ruam Duay Chuay Kan Radio Programme broadcast through F.M.96.0 MHZ. This radio programme is known as a pioneer in term of audience participation in the programme enabling it (the programme) to influence the decisions of the state as well as those of business community. In this study, an in-dept interview was adopted as main methodology to acquire information needed. Purposive sampling was also used to identify potential interviewees. The study found that the Ruam Duay Chuay Kan Radio Programme has particular roles to play in re-balancing power relations between the state and business sector on one side and the people on the other. It serves as mechanism that escalate the power of the latter vis-à-vis that of the former. The Ruam Duay Chuay Kan Radio Programme was not initially intended a community-based programme. It was created by capitalists who wanted to be socially responsible in the growing democratic world of Thai society. Yet, with its awareness of the need to take into account the interests of and for the communities, and through its approach (two-way communication) as well as its social substances, the programme has eventually become highly participatory. One particular finding of this study poses an interesting challenge. That is, though the Ruam Duay Chuay Kan Radio Programme has over time operated for the benefit of the communities. But considering the fact that its birth was given by responsible capitalists, the very question before them is whether or not they (capitalists), who have been hitherto committed to servicing society, would be able to sustain this commitment in the long haul.