THAILAND: Veera 'no' to hosting TV show

Speaking on Veera Musikhapong's behalf, Jatuporn Promphan says the UDD leader is "a true red-shirt" and "does not need to talk" to the prime minister

The Bangkok Post
Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Veera Musikhapong, a leader of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, has turned down an invitation to interview Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on his regular Sunday morning television programme on NBT, Jatuporn Promphan said on Tuesday.

The invitation was reportedly made by PM's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey.

"Mr Veera is a true red-shirt who is firm in his stand against the government because of its double standards and illegitimacy.

So he does not need to talk to Mr Abhisit and does not see this as a loss of opportunity," said Mr Jatuporn.

Mr Jatuporn said the government was not sincere in its efforts to ensure national reconciliation, judging from remarks made by Mr Abhisit's personal spokesman Tepthai Senpong.

Mr Abhisit said since Mr Veera had turned down the invitation Mr Sathit's staff would look for another person to join the programme.

Earlier on Tuesday, former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama said if Mr Abhisit wanted his programme to get a better rating he should directly seek advice from Thaksin Shinawatra.

Date Posted: 6/30/2009