Protest leader Luang Pu Buddha Issara has asked the management of Voice TV, the internet and satellite TV service owned by Thaksin Shinwatra's three children, to donate money to needy farmers.
Farmer protesters led by Luang Pu Buddha Issara rally outside Voice TV on Feb 24, 2014. (Facebook: หลวงปู่พุทธะอิสระ)
The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) leader on Monday morning led a group of farmers to the Voice TV offices, located next to the Army Club on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road.
Earlier, the monk had announced he would lead protesters to put pressure on businesses linked to the Shinawatra famiy, but did not say which ones.
When he reached Voice TV today, he found 20 policemen waiting there. He did not enter the building, and made his request from outside the premises.
He also said some farmers sitting-in at the Commerce Ministry would come to stay overnight at Voice TV.
The monk said the farmers were not happy with a commentator's statement that protesting farmers are not real farmers.
"If they [Voice TV] want the farmers to leave, they will have to allow them to broadcast on TV in response to the charge that they are not real farmers," he said.
Rawee Rungruang, leader of farmers from the Central region, said more will join them and he confirmed they might stay overnight here.
Starting today, PDRC protesters will split into groups to "visit" businesses linked to the Shinawatras, secretary general Suthep Thuagsuban said on Saturday.
He claimed the family owned 45 companies with total capital of 52 billion baht, with SC Asset Plc, a property developer, generating the most revenue, followed by Rama IX Hospital.
Mr Suthep said the PDRC would exclude the hospital and education businesses, but would force the rest into bankruptcy.