PTV back on air but faces new threat

Weera Musikapong, former executive of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, former PM's Office minister Jakrapob Penkair and People Power party-list MP Chatuporn Prompan announced the rebirth of the station yesterday.

People's Alliance for Democracy coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said the establishment of PTV violated Article 48 of the Constitution, which clearly prohibits people holding political positions from owning or holding shares in a newspaper, radio or television broadcasting or telecommunication business, either directly or through nominees.

"Chatuporn must look at the Constitution [to see] whether the resurrection of PTV is allowed,'' Suriya said.

Democrat Party spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon said the party would check if the establishment of the station was legal as one of the figures involved was an MP.

In his programme "Talking Samak Style", Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said having PTV would be an advantage for consumers because they would get another side of the story instead of getting information from only the PAD through the ASTV channel. He dismissed the opposition's concern that PTV would increase political tension, as was witnessed before the September coup two years ago.

Veera said he felt the need to revive PTV because he could not let the country be taken over by a small group of people that says it will bring in a new political system with only 30 per cent of MPs elected and 70 per cent appointed. The group also proposed that the military not be under the jurisdiction of the prime minister.

"Our democracy is under threat and we must come out to protect the parliamentary system,'' he said.

He accused the PAD of trying to revive the bureaucratic polity.

"I cannot ignore what it is doing to the country. The situation is worse when it does not allow ministers to carry out their inspection duties in the provinces,'' he said.

Veera said he would rent five hours of airtime from MV5 daily to produce news programmes and commentaries. "There will be no clash of people but of ideas, words and wisdom,'' he said.

PTV allows local and foreign cable operators to link up its signal and will broadcast live through www.mvtv.co.th and community radio station 99.25.

Charter Article 48

A person holding political position shall not own or hold shares in a newspaper, radio or television broadcasting or telecommunication business, whether in his or her name or through nominees or other directors or indirect means.