The organisers of PTV, a satellite television station set up by former Thai Rak Thai Party leaders, plan a mass rally to protest a broadcasting ban and the government's alleged double standards in allowing ASTV, run by Sondhi Limthongkul, to be shown on Channel 11.

PTV director Natthawut Sai-kua yesterday submitted a letter to the Bangkok Governor asking permission to use Sanam Luang.

Apirak said he had not seen the letter but the rally could be held if the organisers obeyed the rules. He assigned Pongsak Semsan, permanent secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), to consider whether PTV could use the area or not.

Natthawut said they would erect a stage at Sanam Luang, adding they would not only talk about why PTV had not be allowed on air, but would also attack the coup makers and reveal "some information" about the junta to the people.

He believed the Bangkok governor would allow the rally because it is part of democracy. "We will hold a peaceful rally. But if the BMA does not allow us to go ahead I will want to know the real reason," he said.

Lieutenant-General Adisorn Nonsee, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said he had assigned the metropolitan police division 1 to monitor the PTV rally including the speeches on the stage.

"If they violate any law we are ready to charge them," he said.