Bangkok Radio Stations To Be Shut After Ex-thai Premier Calls In

[Thaising]

BANGKOK - Thai authorities Thursday began shutting down three Bangkok radio stations after deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra went on air to urge a swift return to democracy in an apparent attempt to rally support here.

Thaksin, who has lived in exile in London since a coup last September, telephoned the three anti-military community radio stations, which broadcast his calls for early elections live on air.

He has previously only spoken to international media and the Thai military has threatened to close down local outlets that report his statements.

"I was shocked and speechless when I realised that the person on the other line was him," said Chupong Theethuan of "Confidante" community radio station.

"He urged quick elections and said the government does not have to worry about him as he will not travel near this region again," he added.

The prime minister's office confirmed on Thursday afternoon it had moved to shut down Confidante Radio, Saturday Voice Against Dictatorship and Taxi Driver Community Radio, saying they were operating illegally and were jeopardising national security.

Thailand's army-installed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said he was not surprised by Thaksin's media blitz, but argued his deposed predecessor was using the radio shows in a bid to gain public sympathy.

"I think Thaksin wants sympathy from his supporters," Surayud told a Thai television station.

"I have nothing to say to Thaksin," the prime minister said.

Two community radio listeners had earlier called AFP and reported that the three stations had gone off air.

Speaking live on Saturday Voice Against Dictatorship, Thaksin said he was worried that some of his schemes for the rural poor had been scrapped by the military-installed government.

Thaksin told Confidante Radio he was concerned the government had scaled down scholarships for students and urged "children who are suffering" to contact his foundation, Chupong said.

He told Saturday Voice that he would return to Thailand, but said he did not want to come back home when it might cause a confrontation.

"I have spent almost one year abroad, but the country has not yet returned to normalcy. They always cite me as the problem, but as of now no one wants to reconcile with me," he told Saturday Voice.

Thaksin was in New York when tanks rolled onto the streets of Bangkok, and has since divided his time between London, the United States and Asia.

Despite insisting that he has no intention of returning to politics, the billionaire businessman has hired two political lobby groups in Washington.

This is the first time Thaksin has successfully contacted media based in Thailand, although he has regular posted video messages to supporters on his website and has given interviews to international media.

The military imposed a variety of censorship orders after it seized power and in January this year issued a specific warning that it would shut down broadcasters who carried statements by the deposed premier.

Government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp also warned that any move by Thaksin to appear on local television channels would not be tolerated.

"This would cause a security concern," he told reporters.

- AFP

[jumnien]

Looks like the last days of the fading junta.

[Briggsy]

Thought he promised to stay out of politics.

[jumnien]

His lips were moving.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin:

"I have spent almost one year abroad, but the country has not yet returned to normalcy. They always cite me as the problem, but as of now no one wants to reconcile with me," he told Saturday Voice.

- AFP

--------------------------

[Thaising]

Community stations give ex-premier airtime after receiving surprise call

The Public Relations Department yesterday moved to shut down the community radio station that aired a live telephone interview with ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Wednesday night.

The department's director for radio and television, Borworn Thecha-in, and its lawyers filed a complaint with Nonthaburi police accusing station director Kraiwal Kasemsil of broadcasting without permission.

Afterwards, Borworn visited the station, located on the third floor of a four-storey commercial building in Nonthaburi's Muang district. Kraiwal was producing a programme when Borworn inspected the building and told him to go off the air. Kraiwal followed the order without resistance.

Borworn said the station, FM 87.75, was operating illegally.

Department director-general Pramote Ratvinij said from the UK that he had just learned about the interview and so ordered his officials to "punish" the station for undermining national security.

Officials had already cracked down on 22 community radio stations in Nonthaburi, because they used illegal frequencies and interfered with aviation communications.

The station's staff told the officials their transmitter broke down and had been sent in for repairs that morning.

Borworn said his department was not authorised to shut down any community radio stations, but rather could only ensure that the stations operated within the law.

Continue here: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/18...cs_30034520.php

[sriracha john]

Bavorn Techa-in, chief of the National Broadcasting Commission, said the station had been set up unlawfully.

- Bangkok Post

and that the station had been operating illegally.

- MCOT

[Scott]

I was never a fan of his, but it troubles me that he is so vilified by everyone. It's a case of scapegoating. He caused his share of troubles and needs to be held accountable.

The fact that the present gov't is inefficient and can't get it's act together is not his fault. A little more time governing and a little less time worrying about what an exiled leader is doing would be good.

[jumnien]

The junta prefer driving backwards while staring in the rear view mirror; it's not easy. Like Mr. Bush in Iraq, with the military takeover of Bangkok they got themselves into a situation they have no clue how to get themselves out of. Their governing style can best be described as "clueless". Thailand suffers. If only the junta could be banned by the courts instead of legitimate political parties!

[chuchok]

Community stations give ex-premier airtime after receiving surprise call

Department director-general Pramote Ratvinij said from the UK that he had just learned about the interview and so ordered his officials to "punish" the station for undermining national security.

[Sing_Sling]

Keystone Cops

[Prakanong]

Community stations give ex-premier airtime after receiving surprise call

Department director-general Pramote Ratvinij said from the UK that he had just learned about the interview and so ordered his officials to "punish" the station for undermining national security.

He must be there for a freebie to the Cup Final - hope they seat him next to Taxin ;-))

[Jai Dee]

PM says actions of Dr Thaksin will not have direct impact on administration

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont says the move to discredit the government of the former PM Thaksin Shinawatra will not affect the government’s stability.

The premier says he has not talked with Mr Thaksin and it is not necessary to ask him to stop his maneouvres. He calls for people to be reasonable and careful when listening to political news and assures them that all problems will be resolved soon.

However, Gen.Surayud admits that chaotic incidents might take place at the end of this month as expected by many security units. To prevent the incidents, he says Thai people should be united to develop an atmosphere of reconciliation.

Mr Thaksin earlier gave interview to a community radio station, saying that chaos will occur during the period before the verdict of the political party dissolution case.

Gen.Surayud says relevant government units will inspect the community radio station interviewing Mr Thaksin.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 May 2007

[pete_r]

The prime minister's office confirmed on Thursday afternoon it had moved to shut down Confidante Radio, Saturday Voice Against Dictatorship and Taxi Driver Community Radio, saying they were operating illegally and were jeopardising national security.

- AFP

If one has to shut up to have national security, is national security worth having?

I could understand if there was an army preparing to invade from a neighboring country, but just one man living in the UK (however rich he may be)???

[Mid]

He calls for people to be reasonable and careful when listening to political news and assures them that all problems will be resolved soon.

here's the deal

I'll be reasonable and careful ,

now you , stop sprouting BS

[danc]

Chip in as well. Watching BBC World last night around 10.30 - a badlight break in the cricket - they included a very brief item on the soon to be Man City chairman, "talking about no stability if election dates not met"- I presume the newsreader was reporting what he said to the radio stations over libary pictures of him out on the stump - but they then added a warning had been issued that if media outlets reported this, then they would be taken off air. I can see absolutely no record of this on their main internet site this morning so I am guessing that the BBC are following the junta's ruling.....

So, censorship extends right to the world's permier impartial broadcaster.....what we are really waiting for is Sondhi to get jealous of what is happening next door with the russkies and that junta and for him to triumphantly annouce his own plans for nuclear reactors......

[sriracha john]

assures them that all problems will be resolved soon.

well thank goodness... the slow drain in my shower has been extremely frustrating. When can I expect him to drop by?

[rychrde]

Anyone know what "Promote" (great name for PR Dir) was doing in London? The news says he was in UK but frankly where else in the UK is he gonna go? Unless touring the numerous thai consulates. Can anybody seriously believe Toxin and Promote did not meet, or at least talk? I guess discussions did not go well for Toxin, so he decides on a very petty revenge by causing a stir while Promote was out of the country - smart idea. the losers, as always, are the little guys running the stations.

yeah... keystone cops stuff!

[PeaceBlondie]

A very petty revenge, indeed - calling into three upcountry pirate radio stations, causing them to get taken off the air. It must be awful tough on old Thaksie, having little to do but putter around his English mansion, patting the butter onto his toast. "Aw shucks," he said in his Texas Ph.D. accent , "Ah think ah'll just call mah old buddies in Isaan and stir up some shit..."

[blaze]

A very petty revenge, indeed - calling into three upcountry pirate radio stations, causing them to get taken off the air. It must be awful tough on old Thaksie, having little to do but putter around his English mansion, patting the butter onto his toast. "Aw shucks," he said in his Texas Ph.D. accent , "Ah think ah'll just call mah old buddies in Isaan and stir up some shit..."

It seems that some on this forum appear to believe that there are rules to this game- gentlemanly conduct- a 'right way' to behave when you've been illegally thrown out of your country. This game ceased to have rules the day the tanks rumbled into town. And tore up the rule book. What do people expect?

That's why countries have rule books in the first place. (they are called constitutions).

[Plus]

All previsously ousted Thais behave gentelmanly, Thaksin is the first.

The coup makers expected Thaksin to follow unspoken rules and customs - don't stir up shit, wait out, come back and sit quetly, you'll have enough money for the rest of your life.

[Scott]

Previously exiled people didn't have mobile phones, internet etc. They also didn't have a constituency that had mobile phones, internet etc.

[pumpuiman]

What horrible statements from Thaksin....A speedy return to democracy and a promise to stay out of politics. Frightening.

A real threat to national security.

The junta once again look like fools.

Digging their own grave.

Won't be long now.

[alexth]

Heading fast for the stone age, with stones around the neck. They'll never going to wake up, not in this life.

[blaze]

All previsously ousted Thais behave gentelmanly, Thaksin is the first.

The coup makers expected Thaksin to follow unspoken rules and customs - don't stir up shit, wait out, come back and sit quetly, you'll have enough money for the rest of your life.

Then maybe it's time the custom have having coups was put to rest. The Thais will learn the easy way - or the hard way- why most countries don't welcome coups.

[andy1308]

The issue, apparently, is that this radio station did not have the licence to operate. Any media outlet - whether a radio station, newspaper or magazine, must have a Government licence to operate. That's not about free speech or censorship, that's about abiding by the pre-existing rules.

What's happened, in my opinion, is the Government has found an easy option to punish them for giving Taksin a voice. Only the radio station is to blame for not having the licence to operate; if they'd had one then it would have been much harder to hurt them.

[baabaabobo]

"I have nothing to say to Thaksin," the prime minister said."

[Plus]

Previously exiled people didn't have mobile phones, internet etc. They also didn't have a constituency that had mobile phones, internet etc.

For all we know he might have used a landline to call those stations.

It's not like he accidentally farted in public, his ungentlemanly behaviour has been consistent from the start.

[sriracha john]

It's manipulative of him enough to vaguely call for a "speedy recovery" to democracy, but what does that mean?

Forego the constitution completion and have an election before December? Under what rules? What parties can run? and a million other practical questions...

Stirring up <deleted> when he said he wouldn't.... gosh, Thaksin lies again.

[Tony Clifton]

The issue, apparently, is that this radio station did not have the licence to operate. Any media outlet - whether a radio station, newspaper or magazine, must have a Government licence to operate. That's not about free speech or censorship, that's about abiding by the pre-existing rules.

What's happened, in my opinion, is the Government has found an easy option to punish them for giving Taksin a voice. Only the radio station is to blame for not having the licence to operate; if they'd had one then it would have been much harder to hurt them.

I see they took the same procedure as PTV to obtain a broadcasting licence. None.