POLITICS / PRO-THAKSIN GATHERING

PTV protest rally 'to go ahead' on Sunday

Supoj Wancharoen

The operators of PTV will press ahead with a rally against the government and the Council for National Security (CNS) scheduled for Sunday at Sanam Luang.

Aree Krainara, PTV's business development manager, yesterday wrote to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) seeking permission to use Sanam Luang as a venue for the PTV rally.

The third such gathering organised by the station, it is scheduled to take place from 4.30pm to midnight.

On Sunday, PTV executives will talk about plans to push for broadcasts by the station, express opposition to the Surayud Chulanont government, as well as the pay rise awarded to staff and members of the CNS. Speakers will also touch on the free trade agreement Thailand recently signed with Japan.

Mr Aree assured that the speakers would not resort to personal attacks and also not allow other groups of demonstrators to join them.

However, deputy Bangkok governor Vallop Suwandee said the BMA has not decided yet whether to allow PTV's operators to organise its gathering at Sanam Luang.

They must agree to comply with the BMA's regulations if the rally is to be held.

For example, they are not allowed to build any kinds of stages. High-powered loudspeakers are not permitted, and the speakers must not defame anybody.

Acting national police chief Seripisuth Temiyavej yesterday discussed the planned rally with PTV executives Chatuporn Prompan and Jakrapob Penkair.

Pol Gen Seripisuth said he urged them to think particularly of national security, although they have the right to hold a gathering. They should tone down their actions and language during the coming rally to avoid provocation.

Mr Chatuporn said the rally would take place as scheduled and measures would be in place to ensure there would be no violence.

Bangkok Post

Friday April 06, 2007