THAILAND: Protesters demand DStation to be allowed to reopen

Protesters threaten to rally again if government does not allow pro-Thaksin TV and radio station transmissions to resume

Bangkok Post
Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Several hundred red-shirt protesters marched to Government House on Wednesday, demanding the government stop blocking satellite-based DStation and pro-Thaksin Shinawatra community radio stations.

They also clamoured for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's resignation over the crackdown on red-shirt protesters during the Songkran street riots.

Protest leader Somyos Pruksakasemsuk, of the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, handed a letter outlining their demands to Nathee Premrasami, a permanent secretary at the Prime Minister's Office.

Mr Somyos said if the government did not bow to their demands they would rally again on May 16 and 17 at Sanam Luang and on May 18 at the parliament.

Before handing over the letter, the protesters burned a 21-inch television set which they said would show only ASTV, run by supporters of the rival yellow-shirts.

Hundreds of police and soldiers were deployed around Government House.

The protest prompted police to close traffic in front of the Government House compound.

PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey said the government had no authority to open or close a satellite station. A special committee was in charge of the matter.

However, the operator of the station would be held responsible for the content it airs after the station was unblocked.

Date Posted: 5/6/2009