Luang Pu Buddha Issara, a prominent People's Democratic Reform Committee leader, on Tuesday accused several pro-government radio stations of lese majeste, and demanded the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission to take then off the air.
The monk led a number of PDRC protesters to the NBTC head office in Soi Phahon Yothin 8 after calling at the Miracle Grand Hotel where the Election Commission and political parties were meeting.
On the move: Protest leader Luang Pu Buddha Issara wants red shirt radio stations shuttered over lese majeste charges.
Luang Pu met NBTC secretary-general Thakorn Tanthasith, and asked him why no action had been taken against several radio stations of the red shirts which he alleged had broadcast programmes containing lese majeste remarks in violation of the Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
He said such radio stations included the one run by Wuthipong Kochathamkhun, alias Ko Tee, the Pathum Thani red-shirt leader. He gave a tape which recorded a programme broadcast by Ko Tee's radio station on Tuesday morning to Mr Thakorn. Ko Tee has been charged with lese majeste in a separate case, but has apparently fled rather than answer charges.
Mr Thakorn explained to the monk that the NBTC had set up a task force centre to monitor radio and TV programmes. It has no authority to order the closure of any stations, including those accused of violating lese majeste laws. It is a police matter, he explained.
The protesters said they were not satisfied with the explanation and shouted disapproval, accusing the NBTC of neglect of duty.
They vowed to stay at the NBTC office until they receive the "satisfactory answer" they are seeking.