Speech off
Written by Writer on Sunday, October 26th, 2008
Speech off
By Post Reporters
The United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) has abruptly cancelled a plan to broadcast a speech by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra live on television next Saturday.
People Power party member Jatuporn Promphan did not explain the change in plan, saying only that the political talk show Kwam Jing Wan Nee (The Truth Today) would not on air on Saturday on state-owned NBT, formerly Channel 11.
Mr Jatuporn, who co-hosts the programme with government spokesman Nattawut Saikua and Veera Musikapong, said Thaksin’s remarks to supporters will instead be posted on www. todayfact.com and will air on NBT after Saturday.
The change comes amid growing criticism of Thaksin’s decision to talk to his supporters from London.
Critics believe it will lead to more political tension.
The last UDD gathering, held while the mobile political talk show took place on stage, was on Oct 11 at the Thunder Dome in Muang Thong Thani. It was broadcast on the television station.
That gathering drew about 10,000 Thaksin fans. Organisers expect many more people to attend on Saturday at the bigger venue, Rajamangala stadium.
Thaksin was sentenced to two years in jail in absentia by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions last Tuesday. He was convicted for abuse of power in the Ratchadaphisek land deal.
About 500 UDD members last night moved from Sanam Luang to the Defence Ministry to air their opposition to any attempt by the armed forces to stage a military coup.
UDD members were with former deputy police chief Salang Bunnag last Wednesday when he announced his intention to surround Government House to force the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to give up its occupation of the venue.
The PAD was stepping up security measures in the wake of Pol Gen Salang’s threat by enlarging its tyre barricade at Ratchadamnoen Nok avenue near Makkhawan Rangsan bridge, to prevent the blockade of Government House.
The protest group had dismantled its stage near the bridge, which leaves Government House as its only stronghold.
Police should not get involved in Pol Gen Salang’s campaign, PAD co-leader Pibhop Dhongchai said.
PAD seized Government House on Aug 26 and refuses to relinquish it until Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat stands down and efforts to rewrite the charter are aborted.
Pol Gen Salang yesterday attended a merit-making ceremony with more than 200 pro-government demonstrators in Chiang Mai. He said his blockade plan was still alive and details would be finalised soon.
Mr Pibhop and PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said former members of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party and former activists supported Pol Gen Salang.
But former TRT leader Chaturon Chaisaeng denied that, saying no TRT members or activists backed Pol Gen Salang’s bid to take back Government House.
Bangkok Post
Sunday October 26, 2008
