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PAD leaders Chamlong Srimuang and Somsak Kosaisuk on Tuesday challenged journalists to put questions to them on the rally's stage rather than in a press briefing room as is usually the case. They reasoned that this would be a way for the PAD protesters to hear what their leaders say to journalists immediately rather than forcing them to wait for the distorted versions recounted in the next day's newspapers.

However, reporters opposed the change, saying that they might not be able to do their jobs properly since they would be crowded among PAD supporters, who might get upset if reporters were to ask questions they didn't like.

Besides, the PAD could always broadcast its press conferences on its mouthpiece ASTV, the reporters said.

Chamlong denied that the request was made in an attempt to put pressure on reporters, saying that he guaranteed their safety. He added that it was 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. At the end, the reporters left the rally to a chorus of boos and jeers from PAD supporters.

Reporters who have been covering the PAD's protest said that the group's leaders were not interested in accurate reporting, but rather that they wanted their supporters to put pressure on reporters who asked difficult questions or tried to corner them on certain points during press conferences.

PAD security guards at the protest site have regularly had conflicts with reporters and photographers who have reported on and taken pictures of Government House in a sullied condition.

Relations between the PAD and reporters have been souring ever since the group proposed its New Politics idea, in which 70 per cent of seats in the Lower House would be held for appointed members, with the rest open to elected politicians.

Somsak reportedly got angry with journalists who suggested that the new proposal ran counter to democracy.

Media support for the PAD has also been hurt by the fact that the protesters have failed to provide a clear picture of their ultimate goal.

Sitting in a state of denial at Government House without achieving anything is counterproductive.

Some new gimmicks employed recently, such as its proposal for a "People's Revolution Government", have not helped, but merely served to blur the picture of the PAD. Media representatives, even those who work for the protesters' mouthpiece ASTV and Manager, are struggling to report on the group's direction.