By Jednipat Chansopeekul

Thailand's first Internet-based TV station was officially launched yesterday but the spotlight was focused on the owners - none other than the children of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

In an attempt to play down the politics angle, Panthongtae and Pinthongta said the contents would carry no hidden political objective but instead be geared towards the young generation.

'Red shirt-free zone'

"Voice TV is not for the red shirts, nor is it my father's mouthpiece. If he wants to have a programme on this channel, he has to become an employee," said Pinthongta Shinawatra, the channel's executive vice president. "My father told me I could do whatever I want, as long as I stayed away from politics - this press conference included."

Pinthongta, chair of Voice TV's board, echoed her brother, adding that the station was a serious business concern unrelated to her father's activities. The siblings said they hope to see the business break even within five years.

"Look at the contents. They are designed to be accessible for all and to attract advertisers," said Pinthongta.

Under the slogan "hear your voice", the station has launched a "My Friend" campaign which the siblings say is aimed at giving the young generation a mouthpiece.

Voice TV was launched on a trial basis five months ago and will become a 24-hour service next year, said president Songsak Premsuk. The feed is available to all 500,000 DTV satellite subscribers. The former executive of iTV added that the current audience of 3,000 is expected to reach 100,000 next year. A music channel to woo teenagers is also in the pipeline.

Voice TV's chief of entertainment programmes, Iya-khub Kritboonyalai, said the station planned to launch its own satellite dish once the channel becomes a hit.

So what's on?

Among the 10 or so shows offered are news programme "Voice News Voice Talk" and travel items aimed at the young generation.

Being planned for next year are "The Daily Dose" - news analysis in English by ML Natthakorn Devakula, and "Intelligence" - topical conversation from Chom Phetpradab and Tuangporn Assawawilai.