Jakrapob looks to television for help

Jakrapob gave the green light to the written recommendation from adviser On-anong Premasakul that documentaries be produced for the state-run NBT to broadcast ahead of the birthdays of HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn on July 28 and Her Majesty the Queen on August 12, according to a copy of the document shown on the Matichon Online website.

The document contained the adviser's memo dated May 14 and Jakrapob's hand-written approval of her proposal. He instructed On-anong to coordinate with the Public Relations Department director-general about the production and broadcast.

Meanwhile, Somchai Wongsawat, deputy prime minister and education minister, yesterday said he was unaware of the arrangement, adding that he did not think the pressure on Jakrapob would affect the government's performance. He said Jakrapob was doing his best to prove his innocence. However, if Jakrapob really did as alleged, he should admit to it, Somchai said.

Critics and the opposition have accused Jakrapob of acting in contempt of the monarchy when giving a speech last year about the patronage system in Thai politics.