Pracha dismissed media reports he was a key financial supporter for PTV. He added that since the previous government was overthrown, he had stepped out of politics and now only focused on his business.

A group of Thai Rak Thai's former members, led by Veera Musigapong and Jatuporn Promphan, will today launch the satellite channel in a challenge to the government's attempt to block its operation on grounds that is against the law.

PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan said that if PTV goes ahead and starts broadcasting and also asks for a court injunction to stop the Public Relations Department from blocking its broadcast - as with ASTV - the government would file a police complaint against the station.

Thirapat said he had set up a committee headed by former senator Nirun Pitakwatchara to study and seek a resolution to the problem of illegal cable TV operations. "The committee will study the problem of cable-TV stations within 30 days before reporting the result to me," said the minister.

Jatuporn, a Thai Rak Thai man before joining PTV, yesterday said he had resigned as the party's deputy spokesman, and therefore his status from now on is a businessman - not a politician.

He insisted that PTV would start broadcasting from March 1 despite Thirapat's warning.

"He [Thirapat] lacks the legitimacy, since he has allowed ASTV to air on Channel 11. If he shuts PTV, it's clear that his intentions are biased," said Jatuporn.