PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered that the "Thailand Moving Forward" show broadcast daily at 6pm on all channels be extended from 15 minutes to half an hour as of Monday.
He said the broadcast time had to be extended because 15 minutes was not enough for him and his deputies to deliver important messages to the public.
He said the program would focus on security every Monday, updates on Cabinet meetings on Tuesdays, economy on Wednesdays, social issues on Thursday, "returning happiness to people" on Fridays, foreign affairs on Saturdays and the legal and justice system on Sundays.
"I apologise for using up viewers' time, but will shorten my address on days that have sports broadcasts. The broadcast schedule is being adjusted so I'm the only speaker on Fridays. Addresses by deputy prime ministers and ministers will air at 6pm on other weekdays and will be no longer than half an hour. I ask you for your time accordingly," Prayut said.
In response to criticism that extending the time of such broadcasts would affect TV broadcasting, deputy government spokesman Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the programmes were necessary for the country's development, so people should think of the collective goal.