WORLD> Asia-Pacific
Thai former PM Thaksin cancels planned TV speech
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-10-26 14:43

BANGKOK -- Thai pro-government group had abruptly canceled a plan to broadcast a speech by Thai ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra live on television on November 1 according to reports from local media Sunday.

Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra reacts after making a statement at the Government House in Bangkok in this April 4, 2006 file photo. [file]
The ruling People's Power Party (PPP) member Jatuporn Promphan did not explain the change in plan, saying only that the political talk show would not air on November 1 on state-owned TV station NBT, formerly Channel 11.

Jatuporn, who co-hosts the program with government spokesman Nattawut Saikua and Veera Musikapong, was quoted by Bangkok Post as saying that Thaksin's remarks to supporters will instead be posted on the website and will air on NBT after November 1.

The change comes amid growing criticism of Thaksin's decision to talk to his supporters from London. Critics believe it will lead to more political tension.

The United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), a pro-government coalition, held a gathering on October 11, which drew around 10,000 Thaksin fans. Organizers expect more people to attend on November 1 at the bigger venue, Rajamangala stadium.

Thaksin was sentenced to two years in jail in absentia by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on October 21. He was convicted for abuse of power in a land deal.