The state broadcaster expects that new faces, known for their Pheu Thai slant, will be a good draw

The National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) has defended its decision to present a weekday news program hosted by presenters from the now-defunct Voice TV, saying it needs a new viewer magnet.

Rumors circulated that the partisan Voice TV – founded by the son of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra – was about to move some programs to the public television network.

However, the Public Relations Department (PRD) was quick to emphasize that it would continue to protect the public interest and not let the tone of its shows reveal too much of a political slant.

PRD Director General Sudruetai Lertkasem said it is common for TV stations to change producers and hire former presenters from rival channels to adapt to the market and increase their ratings. NBT adds that NBT has been hiring experienced producers on a regular basis for some time.

NBT has brought in not only former Voice TV newsreaders and presenters, but also people who have worked for other channels, she said on Saturday.

Voice TV has long been known for its open support of the Pheu Thai Party and the redshirt United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship.

Ms Sudruetai said the PRD recognized the reputation and experience of the ex-Voice talent it brought on board, and believed they would help make the channel more interesting by producing content that gets straight to the point.

However, she affirmed that the PRD would continue to play its role in determining the policy and direction of NBT2HD in the public interest as it is a state-owned enterprise.

On Tuesday, former Voice anchor Weeranan Kanhar posted on Facebook about a new news show called Khui Khlai Kao, which he will host starting next Monday from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. His post also tagged former Voice colleagues, including Lakkana Punwichai, aka “Kam Phaka.”

Thanapol Eawsakul, a friend of Progressive Movement chairman Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, said on Facebook that he did not expect the former Voice staffers to “take over” NBT in an open manner.

Mr. Thanapol, the editor-in-chief of Fa Diew Kan magazine, also told people to keep an eye on a newly registered company called Kham Dee Co Ltd. Shareholders include Ms Lakkana and Teerat Ratanasevi, a former government spokesman during Yingluck Shinawatra’s administration.

Voice TV was founded in 2008 by Panthongtae “Oak” Shinawatra, with an investment of 300 million baht.

It announced last month that it would stop broadcasting on all platforms on May 31 after 15 years. About 100 reporters and staff were fired.

Voice TV was founded in 2008 at a time when news channels could only be received through satellite TV devices. In 2013, it bid for licenses to broadcast on the free terrestrial digital TV platform together with other operators and started digital TV broadcasting in 2014.

According to the Ministry of Business Development, Voice TV faced accumulated losses of 800 million baht between 2018 and 2022.