Update: Retracting an earlier announcement, the junta leader said in the morning of 14 October 2016 that all TV channels will be allowed to broadcast normal programming after midnight on 14 October.

The Thai authorities have ordered all TV channels to broadcast state programmes for at least 30 days while asking for cooperation for everyone not to engage in entertainment activities.

At 10: 54 on 13 October 2016, Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd, spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, announced that programming on all TV channels, including international satellite networks, will be replaced with state media programmes starting from 14 October onwards.   

“I ask for the cooperation of all TV stations to broadcast programming from the Television Pool of Thailand for the time being for at least 30 days,” said Sansern.

He added that Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the junta leader and Prime Minister, also asked for the cooperation from all Thais not to organise or engage in entertainment activities for the time being.  

The authorities’ measure means that people will not be able to access independent news via their TVs for at least 30 days.

After King Bhumibol’s death was announced by the palace in the late afternoon of 13 October, nearly all TV channels and media webpages switched to monochrome to mourn for the late King.

Newspapers also published without colours.