Thaksin's CNN interview blocked by main foreign TV distributor

Bangkok, Jan 20 (UNI) An interview with ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra broadcast today by the CNN international television news network has been blocked by Thailand's main foreign TV channel distributor.

The self-imposed censorship follows a request from the leaders of the September 19 coup that toppled Mr Thaksin, Thailand's main pay-TV provider UBC said.

The all-powerful Council for National Security (CNS), led by Army Chief Surayud Boonyaratkalin, has insisted in recent days that it is against media censorship and has refrained from issuing directives to that effect.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand (FCCT) expressed ''deep disappointment'' over the UBC decision.

Mr Thaksin was interviewed during his recent visit to Singapore where he met Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister S Jayakumar.

The meeting, which the Singapore government and Mr Thaksin insisted was a personal meeting among 'old friends', upset the Thai government, resulting in a diplomatic row.

Thailand's Foreign Ministry revoked the former prime minister's diplomatic passport earlier this month citing national security concerns.

Mr Thaksin is now in Tokyo on a personal visit.

UNI