The military junta and the Public Relations Department on Thursday shut down the Confidante community radio station hours after ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra called to talk to listeners on-air. In the broadcast, Thaksin called for an early election, and said people would not tolerate any delays in the election, points he has made in previous interviews in the foreign press. Bavorn Techa-in, chief of the National Broadcasting Commission, said the station had been set up unlawfully, but denied that there was any order to shut it down. Other media reports quoted the chief of the PRD as saying that he had in fact ordered it closed. The inspectors also seized a tape recording of the 15-minute call and talk by Thaksin. The interview marked the first time Thaksin had spoken to any Thai media since the Sept 19 coup.
Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post