Government Spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said yesterday that the Surayud Chulanont government would resurrect broadcasts of "Direct from Government House" this Saturday.

The programmes would explain government actions and policy to viewers and listeners.

Yongyuth said the broadcasts would be aired at 11am on government-owned television Channel 11 and Radio Thailand.

"Audiences and journalists can ask questions during the programme. However, it is not a phone-in. Officials will collect questions and then direct them to programme guests," the spokesman said.

He said that staff of the spokesman's office would report on government achievements and there would be appearances by the prime minister.

He said the identity of Saturday's guest would be known on Friday. Topics for the 50-minute show were expected to be the special economic zone for the South and noise pollution at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

During the Thaksin administration, the programme went to air on Tuesdays following weekly Cabinet sittings. It was cancelled following fewer appearances by ministers who were replaced by staff members.

 Piyanart Srivalo

 The Nation