Speech in doubt

Key leaders of People Power Party and the programme's organisers were reportedly divided over the issue, a source said.

One side suggested that Thaksin should not phone-in to the talk show but his speech would be recorded instead and released later on the show to supporters.

"Positive reactions such as cheering up and clapping from the audience are likely to encourage Thaksin to make harsher remarks if he is allowed to make his speech live," the source said.

But the other group, the organisers, wanted to proceed with their original plan as they had already promoted the phone-in.

Moreover, Thaksin may avoid the use of harsh words in his remarks to avert any provocation.