Reporters boycott PAD's press briefing

Chamlong Srimuang, a leader of the PAD said on stage Tuesday that the PAD's five leaders would give their daily press conference on the PAD rally stage from 10-10.30am, instead of at the press room of the Government House.

If reporters have any questions, they can ask them on the stage and microphones are made available for reporters, he said.

He reasoned that the PAD protesters could get information about what their leaders said immediately without having to wait to read on the newspapers on the next day.

However reporters opposed the change, saying they may not be able to freely ask any question since they would be among PAD supporters who may get upset if reporters asked questions which they did not like.

Besides the PAD can broadcast the press conference through ASTV, the reporters cited.

Chamlong denied that the move put pressure on reporters, saying he guaranteed safety for reporters. He added that it was common and normal that the PAD leaders had verbal clashes with reporters during press conference.

None of reporters asked any question after Chamlong invited them for queries. The reporter left the rally with boos and jeers from the PAD supporters.

Government House beat reporters believed the PAD changes its press conference method because the PAD leaders failed to identify their ultimate goal and objectives in their sit-in protest.