This dissertation explored practices of participatory communication in three case studies of Thailand’s community radio stations (CRS) and investigated the dynamic relationships between CRSs and their communities. It articulated the theoretical framework of participatory community media developed from the concepts of community media and participatory communication. In Thailand, community radio was categorized differently from mainstream radio because of two features—community ownership and participatory communication practices. Essentially, community ownership made these stations responsive to community demands that differed from station to station due to their varied social contexts and cultural boundaries.
Based on ethnographic methods, which included sixty-four qualitative interviews and participant observation during eight weeks of fieldwork, this study analyzed three Thai CRSs—Doilangtham CRS in the north, Khon Thaiso CRS in the northeast, and Pattani CRS in the south.
This study found public access to CRSs is most assured when local languages are used, physical location is convenient, content is appropriate, and feedback mechanisms are in place. Of particular importance, cell phones played a key role in connecting audiences to the station and vice versa. CRSs used personal relationships to recruit volunteers. However, using personal contacts for recruitment also caused problems such as contests for power control, factionalism, and disagreements about compensation. Finally, self-management became an issue in each CRS. Transparency and a shortage of volunteers were common problems. These CRSs were operated by amateurs and because they were amateur broadcasters, the stations suffered from many problems that conventional radio stations would not have. CRSs might have wonderful prospects for community involvement but there was no a certainty that they could be realized unless station operators have skills necessary to carry out broadcasting in a professional manner.