Supamas reassures MCOT employees over Thai PBS merger rumours
Supamas is unaware of a plan to merge MCOT with Thai PBS, saying work with state enterprise officials focuses on tackling losses and protecting staff.
Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Supamas Isarabhakdi, who oversees MCOT Public Company Limited, has urged employees not to be alarmed by reports of a possible merger with Thai PBS, saying neither she nor MCOT executives had been informed of such a plan.
Speaking at Government House on Tuesday (September 15, 2026), Supamas said she had asked MCOT’s management about the reports after hearing the speculation. Executives likewise confirmed that they had received no notification of a merger.
Work with SEPO focuses on tackling losses
Supamas said MCOT had been working for about a year with the State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO), which operates under the Finance Ministry.
She explained that this cooperation formed part of SEPO’s responsibility to oversee state enterprises and address losses. MCOT was working closely with the office and was due to submit a plan on September 25.
Supamas said she had received calls the previous day from journalists at Thai PBS, MCOT and other news organisations asking about the proposed merger.
She urged staff to remain calm, describing the reports as speculation attributed to a Finance Ministry source rather than a plan communicated to her or MCOT’s management.
Any changes must benefit employees
“I particularly want MCOT employees to have confidence in the government. The government, the Finance Ministry and I, as the minister overseeing MCOT, are doing everything we can for the organisation, its employees, their morale and everyone’s security,” Supamas said.
“If there are any changes, they must be changes for the better for every MCOT employee.”
She said MCOT was undergoing a management transition, with adjustments planned to its organisational structure and programming to make better use of its television, radio and other platforms and strengthen its ability to compete in the media industry.
“The media business still has a future. It simply needs to adapt to more modern formats and make use of technology,” she said.
“MCOT must draw on all its resources, including its assets, knowledgeable personnel and equipment, and adapt so that it can continue operating securely in a competitive environment.”
Supamas reiterated that the government and MCOT’s management would do their utmost to ensure the organisation’s stability.
She said management was likely to hold a town hall meeting in October, providing an opportunity to update employees on developments and speak directly with staff.
