PAD : No go for ex-PM to address supporters on state TV
Written by Writer on Thursday, October 23rd, 2008
PAD : No go for ex-PM to address supporters on state TV
BANGKOK, Oct 23 (TNA) — Core leaders of the anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on Thursday urged the government not to allow ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to speak from London at a talk show which will be telecast on state-run station funded by people’s taxes.
Pipop Thongchai said Mr. Thaksin, now living in Britain, has full rights to speak his heart out to the public after a court had sentenced him in absentia to two years imprisonment over a land purchase case but it is improper for the convicted premier to speak on NBT television station which is funded by public funds.
It is still unknown on what subjects Mr. Thaksin will speak from London during a his talk show, to be held at a stadium here on November 1, and it is also unpredictable whether his speech could cause further rifts among the people, said Mr. Pipop.
The political talk show programme “Today’s Truth” aired daily on government-run NBT plans a gathering at Rajamangala National Stadium on November 1.
Mr. Thaksin told Reuters news agency after the court ruling that he would not issue a statement regarding the conviction but would instead telephone his supporters at the venue.
However, government spokesman Natthawut Saikuea said Mr.Thaksin’s plan was not finalised as the gathering organisers have not decided whether to air Mr.Thaksin’s speech on the programme.
Another PAD core leader retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang said whatever Mr. Thaksin would speak on that day would not affect the PAD but would impact the government because NBT station is funded by the government’s budget and not by the private sector.
The government must be cautious and it must not favour any particular group in using the state-run media, said Gen. Chamlong.
On threats imposed by former deputy police chief Pol. Gen. Salang Bunnag demanding that the PAD protesters to vacate Government House, which they have occupied since August 26, within Saturday, Mr. Pipop said that legally the former police officer has no authority to violate others’ rights on holding a gathering.
Police and the military should step in to p rovide protection, said Mr. Pipop, adding that should Gen. Salang and his group decide to use force to take back the prime minister’s office, security guards of the PAD would protect its supporters.
Gen. Salang has threatened to enlist former police officers to use force in driving the PAD protesters away from tGovernment House if they do not leave by Saturday. (TNA)
