Operators of the new satellite People's Television (PTV), believed to be funded by people close to deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra, said they would not accept double-standard treatment by the government and would go on the air on Wednesday, ready to fight a legal battle.

PTV executives held a lively launch party yesterday at a Bangkok hotel in defiance of government threats to take legal action. They insisted the controversial broadcasts by ASTV's Sondhi Limthongkul must also be dealt with in court if PTV is sued by the state for running a television station illegally.

Former Thai Rak Thai Party executive Veera Musigapong led other former TRT figures at the press conference yesterday wearing the light-brown uniform of the new television channel, which claims to serve the public by acting like "a small candle shedding the light of truth" on the public. A theme song especially written for the new channel was also played at the news conference amidst a big crowd of supporters who are believed to be pro-Thaksin.

"I feel great. Let us not be afraid of them. Return our democracy and reveal the truth that Thaksin and Thai Rak Thai were not wrong," a supporter shouted in jubilation.

Veera said the new channel was truly people's television and many people had given their support to the idea. Veera's remarks came after months when virtually all television channels have been accusing Thaksin and the TRT Party of numerous misdeeds and corruption, and after instructions from junta leaders to the Thai media to avoid reporting on the deposed premier's latest moves abroad.

Veera added that the station would help steer Thailand into becoming a society that respected the rule of law, and he expressed his surprise at the level of suspicion from the government about the new station despite the fact that the station had not even begun airing its programmes yet. He also said Article 3 of the interim constitution written by the junta itself guaranteed the right to engage in all activities in accordance with the law.

"I don't care what the government does, because we have not done anything wrong," said Veera. "In the past, the channels of communication that served the nation were limited, and we saw no hope for the future. If a station that helps people constructively exchange views exists, it will help the country maintain its democracy.

"PTV was not set up to become an enemy or a threat to anyone. I do not like threats either. PTV is offering a choice to the people so the people won't be forced to close their ears and eyes by having to watch only certain channels. It will truly be the people's channel, and we will ensure people's participation in owning the station by issuing stock," said Veera, who denied having taken any money from Thaksin to set up the station.

Jatuporn Promphan, another former TRT executive, said he expected the government to sue the station on March 1 when it went on the air but he was not afraid, and a legal team had been assembled to defend its rights. He warned that double standards should not be applied when dealing with ASTV, which now broadcasts Sondhi Limthongkul's controversial anti-Thaksin programme on state-controlled Channel 11. Jatuporn said PTV would employ the same methods as ASTV had, which was to put the programmes on the Internet and broadcast via satellite.

Producers for the new channel and former government speaker Charaphob Penkhae said "complicated and wide-ranging" attempts were being made to stop PTV from going on the air and it reflected a fear that the truth would be accessible to the public.

On Monday members of the public can register subscriptions and buy stock. A satellite dish costing Bt5,000 to Bt6,000 will also be needed. Those interested can call (02) 934 9000 for details. Many political-commentary programmes are expected to be aired by the channel.

Meanwhile PM Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan has ordered the director-general of the Public Relations Department to press legal charges against PTV and insists that no double standards are being applied.

"If PTV insists on going on the air, the director-general of the Public Relations Department, as the officer in charge, will have to take legal action, just as ASTV has also been legally pursued since the last government," said Thirapat, referring to ASTV's pending court injunction.

A spokesman for the National Security Council also accused the channel of being a mouthpiece of the old power clique.

"If it's legal they can do it, but the Public Relations Department and the PM's Office minister must take responsibility. As far as I know, it can't be done, though, because no law allows for it. It's also not right to compare it to ASTV as that channel has a legal case pending and can operate because it has received a temporary court injunction," said Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, adding that he was worried about the kind of information that would be broadcast on the station.