Some see Thaksin role in CNN delay

Cable network blames technical glitches

By Wassana Nanuam & Supawadee Inthawong

A delay in Council for National Security chief Sonthi Boonyaratkalin's interview on CNN has triggered speculation about deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's international media campaign. Gen Sonthi's interview on CNN, which was initially scheduled to be aired on Friday evening, was postponed to tomorrow. The delay was widely discussed at the gathering of Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School alumni in Nakhon Nayok to mark the school's 49th anniversary.

''I don't know if CNN was sent [to interview me]. The questions concerned the [New Year's eve] bombings and whether Mr Thaksin was involved,'' he told military top brass.

Asked if he thought there was something unusual about the delay, he hesitated before saying that he did not know and that he was not the one who requested an interview.

Gen Sonthi said he was informed by subordinates about satellite transmission problems which disrupted the airing of the interview.

The 40-minute interview with CNN correspondent Dan Rivers was supposed to be aired at 7.30pm on Friday.

The Democrats' Sirichoke Sopha expressed scepticism, saying the incident lent weight to media reports that Mr Thaksin hired lobbyists and public relations consultants to help him return to the country and protect his political interest.

CNN interviewed ousted prime minister Thaksin in ''Talk Asia'' which was to be aired on Jan 15 while the former leader was in Singapore. However, the broadcast was delayed by UBC, the cable television operator, amid CNS concerns that it would affect national security.

The cable operator eventually aired the interview a few days later.

The former leader's visit to Singapore also sparked a diplomatic spat between Bangkok and the island state. He was received by Singapore Deputy Prime Minister S. Jayakumar. Political activists staged protests in front of Singapore's embassy in Bangkok.

Mr Sirichoke claimed CNN made gains during the Thaksin administration, referring to advertisements of Thailand's Elite Card on CNN.

Thailand Privilege Card (TPC), operator of the elite card, bought airtime on CNN worth 149 million baht.

The media spending drew attention when Thai Representation Co, representing CNN in Thailand, demanded TPC settle bills.

He said the committee picked up the case for investigation only to find that no contract had been signed.

The panel had called for documents and was later told that the debts were cleared by phuyai.

''Who else can clear [this sum of money] if not Mr Thaksin? The party will follow the matter,'' said Mr Sirichoke.

CNN's office in Thailand said yesterday Gen Sonthi's interview could not be aired as initially scheduled due to technical problems.

CNN's Narunart Prapanya said satellite transmissions experienced technical glitches on Friday, so CNN head office solved the problem by having its correspondent who interviewed the general clarify it via video-conference.

He said Gen Sonthi's interview would be aired tomorrow at 6am.

Bangkok Post
Sunday January 28, 2007