THAILAND: Red-shirts to launch DStation mark 2

Prominent UDD member says second version of DStation will have same programs as the first and will operate like PAD-owned ASTV

Bangkok Post
Monday, May 11, 2009

The anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) will launch a second version its satellite-based DStation, to replace the station shut down by the government.

The new satellite-based station would either be called "News DStation" or "DStation 2" and was expected to be on air on May 18, UDD prominent figure and former Thai Rak Thai party executive Adisorn Piengket said on Monday.

He said all programmes and features would be the same as the first DStation and it would operate like Asia Satellite Television (ASTV) -- which is owned and operated by People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) co-founder Sondhi Limthongkul.

Mr Adisorn said the new Dstation was willing to give full assistance to the fact-finding committee into political activity and violence during the Songkran holiday period. It would, if requested, provide any information it had available.

The government lifted the state of emergency in Bangkok and nearby provinces on April 24, but has continued to block DStation and other pro-UDD radio stations.

Mr Adisorn also commented on the committee on national reconciliation and constitutional amendment, which will meet Tuesday to begin allocating responsibilities.

He said reconciliation would be impossible if the government continued to arrest key members of the red-clad movement.

The government has plans to arrest more than 100 UDD leaders over the next few days, according to Mr Adisorn.

Another UDD leader and former government spokesman Nattawut Saikua said the red-shirt rally at Paikaew temple on Sunday was not aimed at provoking the group's supporters into action against the government.

Mr Nattawut said the rally was not in contravention of the bail conditions the court set when allowing bail for him and two other UDD leaders, Veera Musikaphong and Weng Tojirakarn.

The court ordered the UDD leaders must not engage in any acts of provocation, disrupt the police investigation into the Songkran riots or leave the country without permission.

Date Posted: 5/11/2009