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BANGKOK - Thai authorities Thursday began shutting down three Bangkok radio stations after deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra went on air to urge a swift return to democracy in an apparent attempt to rally support here.
Thaksin, who has lived in exile in London since a coup last September, telephoned the three anti-military community radio stations, which broadcast his calls for early elections live on air.
He has previously only spoken to international media and the Thai military has threatened to close down local outlets that report his statements.
"I was shocked and speechless when I realised that the person on the other line was him," said Chupong Theethuan of "Confidante" community radio station.
"He urged quick elections and said the government does not have to worry about him as he will not travel near this region again," he added.
The prime minister's office confirmed on Thursday afternoon it had moved to shut down Confidante Radio, Saturday Voice Against Dictatorship and Taxi Driver Community Radio, saying they were operating illegally and were jeopardising national security.
Thailand's army-installed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said he was not surprised by Thaksin's media blitz, but argued his deposed predecessor was using the radio shows in a bid to gain public sympathy.
"I think Thaksin wants sympathy from his supporters," Surayud told a Thai television station.
"I have nothing to say to Thaksin," the prime minister said.
Two community radio listeners had earlier called AFP and reported that the three stations had gone off air.
Speaking live on Saturday Voice Against Dictatorship, Thaksin said he was worried that some of his schemes for the rural poor had been scrapped by the military-installed government.
Thaksin told Confidante Radio he was concerned the government had scaled down scholarships for students and urged "children who are suffering" to contact his foundation, Chupong said.
He told Saturday Voice that he would return to Thailand, but said he did not want to come back home when it might cause a confrontation.
"I have spent almost one year abroad, but the country has not yet returned to normalcy. They always cite me as the problem, but as of now no one wants to reconcile with me," he told Saturday Voice.
Thaksin was in New York when tanks rolled onto the streets of Bangkok, and has since divided his time between London, the United States and Asia.
Despite insisting that he has no intention of returning to politics, the billionaire businessman has hired two political lobby groups in Washington.
This is the first time Thaksin has successfully contacted media based in Thailand, although he has regular posted video messages to supporters on his website and has given interviews to international media.
The military imposed a variety of censorship orders after it seized power and in January this year issued a specific warning that it would shut down broadcasters who carried statements by the deposed premier.
Government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp also warned that any move by Thaksin to appear on local television channels would not be tolerated.
"This would cause a security concern," he told reporters.
- AFP /ls
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