Reporters defy PAD demand

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

If reporters had any questions, they could ask them on the stage and microphones would be made available to them, he said.

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

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

Besides, the PAD could broadcast the press conference through ASTV, the reporters said.

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

None of the reporters asked any questions after Chamlong invited them to do so. The reporters left the rally under a hail of boos and jeers from PAD supporters.

Reporters on the Government House beat believed the PAD changed its press conference method because the group's leaders had failed to identify their ultimate objectives for their sit-in protest.