Military and National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission officials raided three Pattaya community radio stations, shutting them down for disobeying orders from the junta-led government.
NBTC Region 5 Director Jetsada Sukniyom and Lt. Khunong Phetthaisong of the 8th King’s Guard Battalion at the Sattahip Naval Base led the June 18 action against stations in Central and South Pattaya.
Police raid and shut down the Mangkorn Thurakit Co. (96 mhz) radio station on Soi Day-Night.
Shut down was Chang Siam (105 mhz) on Sukhumvit Road opposite Soi Praphanimit. Operator Nanicha Sarnthong, 41, was arrested.
Also closed was Mangkorn Thurakit Co. (96 mhz) on Soi Day-Night and operator Thonapong Bayornmartenkolof, 23, was taken into custody.
And finally officials raided Thipmanee Cable TV (89.5 mhz) on Soi Chaiyapruek, arresting Russian operator Sergey Petrushev, 44.
Jetsada said all three stations previously had been ordered to go off the air after the military coup May 22. However, all three had remained live.
Officials seized frequency meters and broadcasting equipment and said the stations would not be allowed back on the air until they were granted new licenses by the NBTC.
