THAILAND: Mcot board resigns 'for Thaksin broadcast'

Chairman of Mass Communications Organisation announces resignations of entire board to avoid taking responsibility for airing Thaksin's statement

Bangkok Post
Wednesday, September 27, 2006

The board of the Mass Communications Organisation of Thailand and Mcot director-general Mingkwan Saengsuwan yesterday announced their resignations. They quit to take responsibility for allowing the airing of a state of emergency declaration by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra before he was ousted by the coup on Sept 19.

Their resignations take effect today.

Rewat Chamchalerm, chairman of the Mcot board, yesterday held a press conference to announce the resignations of all board members following the broadcasting of Mr Thaksin's statement from New York on Channel 9.

Mcot deputy managing director Chidnarong Kunakrisadathikarn will serve as acting Mcot managing director. The board will assist with work at the agency until a new board is appointed.

The Mcot board and Mr Mingkwan came under heavy criticism for allowing Mr Thaksin to gain access to its Modernine TV, or Channel 9, to declare a state of emergency shortly before troops led by the Council for Democratic Reform surrounded Government House and seized power in a bloodless coup.

Before he was deposed, Mr Thaksin tried to gain access to the TV Pool to declare a state of emergency and announce the removal of army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, who led the coup.

But Mr Thaksin was only able to secure Channel 9's cooperation.

Date Posted: 9/27/2006