Laos puts limits on Thai TV

Laos has banned television programmes from Thailand from being shown in public places.

Laos' Information and Culture Ministry said the ban - which came into force earlier this month - was designed to prevent what it called Thailand's "cultural domination" over its neighbour.

The ministry's director of mass media, Vanthong Phonchanheuang, told Thailand's The Nation newspaper that the ban was not a result of anti-Thai sentiment, and that it would help Laotian national television to be shown in public places.

Mr Vanthong said caretakers or owners of public places that continued to show Thai TV and videos would be reprimanded and fined.

The restrictions will not apply to private individuals who will be able to continue watching Thai television and videos at home.

Correspondents say Thai TV programmes are more famous than local Laotian programmes, which mainly consists of government propaganda broadcasts via two national stations.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service