Thai PBS has been recognized with three honorary awards at the 2024 Media Awards for Human Rights, hosted by Amnesty International Thailand. The awards ceremony was on February 17, 2025, at Best Western Hotel, Chatuchak, Bangkok. The event honored outstanding journalistic work that sheds light on human rights issues, with 28 nominations across four categories.
Thai PBS’s Award-Winning Reports and Contributions
Thai PBS secured awards in three key categories, recognizing its commitment to impactful storytelling and human rights journalism:
- Best News Report or Documentary (TV – under 20 minutes):
- The award was presented to "D-Day March 25: Thailand Kick-starts ‘Aid Corridor’", a feature by The Active, Thai PBS’s social agenda and public policy media unit. The report highlighted the efforts of medical personnel from Tha Song Yang Hospital, Tak Province, in providing healthcare assistance to Myanmar refugees in Pa-An, Karen State. The humanitarian mission took place at a Christian school refugee camp, home to over 400 displaced children and youth.
- Award Recipients:
- Wachirawit Lertbumrungchai (Journalist)
- Bamrung Panmuang (Cameraman)
2. Best News Report or Documentary (Online Video – under 15 minutes):
- Thai PBS’s Decode unit won this category for "The 20th Ramadan of the Tak Bai Incident". The video revisited the tragic 2004 Tak Bai incident, providing insights into the lives of the victims’ families and their decades-long struggle for justice.
- Award Recipients:
- Wipaporn Wattanawit (Assistant Editor)
- Fahren Niyomdecha (Future Journalist)
- Panuphat Boonruen (Production Designer)
- Pattanan Sajjawatwarapa (Editor)
3. Best Human Rights Photography:
- The third award went to a powerful photo series capturing the daily struggles of migrant laborers in urban fresh markets, titled "The Life of Migrant Workers in the Heart of the City".
- Award Recipient:
- Supanat Rattanathanaprasarn (Thai PBS Digital Media)
Thai PBS: A Public Service Media Driving Social Change
As Thailand’s first public service broadcaster, Thai PBS is committed not only to reporting the news but also to amplifying underrepresented voices and driving meaningful social change. By reflecting the realities of marginalized communities, Thai PBS aims to empower civic engagement, facilitate dialogue, and serve as a bridge between the people and public institutions.
These three Amnesty Media Awards reaffirm Thai PBS’s mission to deliver impactful journalism that holds power to account and fosters a more informed, resilient, and just society. The recognition serves as a reminder of the vital role public-interest journalism plays in shaping a stronger, more responsible society for all.
