Run-in with the press

Poowadon Songprasert, a social science lecturer at Kasetsart University and a prominent PAD member, shouted rudely and grasped Sasinapa Wattana-wannarat, a female reporter from Matichon, round the body as he tried to shoo the reporters away.

PAD guards and protesters were preparing a barrier to try to prevent a police raid. On seeing the reporters, the guards shouted: "They [opponents] come in disguise."

More guards surrounded the three and told them to leave the second floor of the Banchakarn Building. When the reporters showed media identification cards, the guards said they did not care, as they could be fake IDs and the people could be opponents in disguise.

The guards became threatening, saying they should leave or they would attack with slingshots. Protesters then surrounded the reporters to force them to move.

Sasinapa and her two colleagues then went to the press room, where about 50 reporters were based.

Later, PAD leaders sought to make amends. Sondhi Limthongkul escorted Sasinapa to her car. Co-leader Pibhop Dhongchai told journalists the PAD would tell its guards to understand and protect reporters.

Meanwhile, PAD protesters gathered near the press room to see what happened and news reporters were unable to get out of the room for a while.

Earlier in the day, National Broadcasting Television (NBT) told viewers its reporters would not identify the site in Government House from which they were reporting because of fears the protesters would harm them.