The Media Fund explained that the 2021 funding consideration process was thorough, in accordance with the fund's criteria and objectives. Regarding the "Lai Kanok" program, the fund deemed its content interesting, as a community tourism documentary with a historical element, believing it could reach a large audience.
As announced by the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund, the results of the project evaluation for funding in 2021 have been released.The program "Lai Kanok Yok Siam Sanchon" The granting of 4.8 million baht in funding to Top News Digital Media Co., Ltd. (Top News Channel) has sparked criticism, with many arguing that the decision was inappropriate given that the fund's primary purpose is to promote and support the development of safe and creative media. Furthermore, Top News and its presenters are perceived as biased and clearly displaying political stances. This case has been widely criticized on social media.
Dr. Thanakorn Srisukhsai, Manager of the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund, said that: The Safe and Creative Media Development Fund has meticulously and carefully considered and selected projects or activities requesting funding for the 2021 fiscal year, in accordance with regulations, rules, and laws, and aligned with the fund's objectives. The decision-making process involved 11 working groups and 2 subcommittees, each providing its own reasons for approval or rejection.
In the case of the "Lai Kanok Yok Siam Sanchon" project, the rationale for the consideration by the various working groups and subcommittees was clearly explained. Specifically, at the working group level, the meeting concluded that the project proposal was sound because it built upon existing programs of the applicant, making them more detailed and comprehensive. This aligns with the objectives and strategies of the fund, which aim to promote and support the use of media for learning, tourism, and community development, as well as incorporating engaging historical knowledge and attracting a large audience. However, due to the high value of the proposed project, it was deemed appropriate to support it with a budget not exceeding 5 million baht. Suggestions were also made to increase the detail of historical aspects in the production and dissemination, and a proposal was made to reduce the budget if approved.
Later, at the Project Screening and Development Subcommittee meeting, it was agreed to support the "Lai Kanok Yok Siam Sanjorn" project with a budget not exceeding 5 million baht, as proposed by the working group. When the project came to the Management Subcommittee meeting, the meeting approved the "Lai Kanok Yok Siam Sanjorn" project to receive funding of 4.8 million baht. The reasons for the approval were that the program is interesting, builds upon the previous program that produced community tourism documentaries, incorporates historical facts, presents them in an easy-to-understand and entertaining format, has a large audience, and the program does not contain any political content, therefore it was deemed appropriate to give it a chance.
The fund manager further stated that all projects must go through the same hierarchical review process, from the initial stage to the intermediate and final approval stages, which is considered a strength of the fund, as follows:
(1) Upon receipt of the request, the Fund Office will examine the application form, documents, and evidence within thirty days from the date of receipt of the application form and evidence to be presented to the Project Screening and Development Subcommittee for consideration.
(2) The initial consideration process begins with 11 working groups appointed by the Office from qualified persons with knowledge, ability and expertise in various fields that are consistent with the issues under consideration. The list of all working groups has been submitted by the Office to the Project Screening and Development Subcommittee for approval before the appointment order is issued. The consideration is in accordance with the guidelines and criteria clearly established by the Fund.
(3) The Project Screening and Development Subcommittee considers projects or activities that have been initially considered by the working group. The Project Screening and Development Subcommittee may agree or disagree with the working group and then summarize the results of the consideration and submit them to the Subcommittee for the Administration of the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund for consideration and approval.
(4) The Fund Management Subcommittee, which has the legal authority to approve projects or activities requesting support, has considered the projects or activities that have been approved by the Project Screening and Development Subcommittee. It has considered each project in detail, focusing on issues such as the scope of operations or activities, budget, and the feasibility of monitoring and evaluation, which will be used to determine performance indicators, as well as the risks and credibility of the grant recipients.
(5) When the Executive Subcommittee has finished considering whether to approve or not approve the project or activity, the Fund Office will prepare an agenda to be presented to the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund Committee for their information.
As seen in the above processes, the review process has clear procedures and steps. The review of project or activity proposals submitted this year took place from February 20th to May 13th, 2021, which is considered sufficient time for thorough review.
“The Fund confirms that the approval process for all types of projects or activities receiving funding has been conducted in accordance with the criteria, rules, and regulations set by the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund Committee, and is in compliance with the regulations, which are methods and mechanisms approved by the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund Committee,” said the Fund Manager.
