Audio recording of interview requested

The move was aimed at investigating his claim he was misquoted in a later report regarding what he said about His Majesty the King and the monarchy.

PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey said he had sent a letter to Times Online requesting the recording to determine whether there had been a misinterpretation of Thaksin's words or if he really made remarks described by critics as offensive to the monarchy.

"We'll try to prove who really told the truth and who distorted the facts," Satit said.

He said the Thai ambassador in London had explained to Times Online the matter was a sensitive one for Thai public feeling, as it involved the monarchy, and added the embassy would also send a written explanation.

The Web page containing the report was blocked in Thailand early yesterday by the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Ministry. A message appeared that said: "This URL has been blocked by court order, as it could have an effect on, or be against, the security of the Kingdom, public order or good morals."

The page could be accessed in the evening. The Web page carrying the script of the interview was not blocked.

Times Online earlier reported the Thai government had banned the interview with Thaksin and warned its security agencies would take "appropriate action" against any media organisations reporting his remarks about the Royal Family.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva warned journalists not to report contents of the interview and hinted the government would use the country's lese-majeste law.

Internet users in Thailand on Monday night said it was not possible to access the news article, in which Thaksin spoke to the website, The Times reported.

Special Branch police were working with the ICT Ministry in an investigation into Thaksin's interview with Times Online, Royal Thai Police spokesman Lt-General Pongsapat Pongcharoen said.

Meanwhile, a group of Senators and representatives from the Siam Samakkhi Group yesterday filed a lese-majeste complaint at Dusit police station against Thaksin; Times Online; its Asia editor, Richard Lloyd Parry, who wrote the article; academic Ji Ungpakorn; and the Red Siam website.

Senator Somchai Sawaengkarn, one of the complainants, said Ji and Red Siam were named in the complaint because they had circulated the offensive article.

In a related development, People's Network for Democracy secretary-general Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said his group had issued a statement denouncing Thaksin. He also called on the government to expedite the process of having Thaksin extradited to Thailand.