Actor Sornram Theppitak performs at a product promotion in a Sing Buri department store.

Whatever your views, somewhere someone's getting hot under the collar about them

Hollywood stars are always expressing their political views, but celebrities here pay a high cost for voicing theirs.

Movie star Sornram Thep-pitak is the latest to encounter trouble from those who disagree with his political viewpoint.

People's Alliance for Demo-cracy supporters have heckled him during a show at a Sing Buri department store.

Sornram was at the store promoting a new product this past Saturday. As he was leaving he was reportedly shouted at abusively by five suspected PAD supporters. They also shouted offensive remarks about Thaksin Shinawatra.

The incident happened near the parking area where he and his crew had left their equipment vehicles. Later that evening he was abused while eating at a restaurant.

Attracting criticism

His personal assistant Sukannaya Intasuwan denies the incident at the department store took place. She admits some people - they may have been PAD protesters - spoke harshly to Sornram at the restaurant.

Sornram earlier criticised the PAD protest and some celebrities who have joined it when he was being interviewed. He accuses them of making trouble for the country. These comments may have enraged demonstrators.

Meanwhile, actor Sirilak Pongchoke, a supporter of and participant in the PAD event, says Sornram has a right to express his opinion. She doesn't want to see those with opposing views criticising each other.

But, many entertainers associated with the alliance movement have suffered for their political stance.

Ministers harassed

Since the PAD kicked off its protest on May 25, dozens of stars have taken turns entertaining the nightly crowds. Others compose morale-boosting protest songs.

They include Sirilak, fellow actor Sarunyoo "Tua" Wong-krachang, Smile Buffalo drummer Worachet Aimpia, singers Sukanya Migael and Chatchai "Rang" Sukhawadee, formerly of Rockestra.

Rang believes he was forced to move his royalist and

nationalist "We Love the King, We Love Thailand" office

from the Elephant Building

in Phaholyothin because of

his participation in the movement.

Last week the PAD commenced harassing Cabinet ministers visiting different parts of the country.

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung was forced to cancel official duties in Phuket after protests dogged him there.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Anongwan Thepsuthin cancelled a  press conference in Khon Kaen the following day after learning of planned PAD protests.