Bangkok Post reported that on August 16, the Pheu Thai Party strongly rejected the above accusation. Speaking to reporters, Mr. Prompong Nopparit - former spokesman for the Pheu Thai Party - called the rumors "unfounded" with the aim of undermining both Mr. Thaksin and Ms. Paetongtarn, in the context of two sensitive political cases preparing for sentencing in August.
According to the scheduled schedule, on August 22, the Criminal Court will decide the case of "enlistment" and cybersecurity-related allegations against Mr. Thaksin, who is still considered the effective leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party.
Just a week later, on August 29, the Constitutional Court will decide whether Ms. Paetongtarn violated ethical standards in the disclosure of a recording of a conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.
In the leaked recording in June, Ms. Paetongtarn was said to have made many sensitive statements, even the line: "If you need anything, just tell me. I will take care of it. Ms. Paetongtarn explained that this was just a negotiation technique, not a political concession, while affirming that she acted transparently, without threatening national security.
Mr. Prompong emphasized that all evidence, statements and documents have been fully presented to the court, affirming that "there is nothing to worry about". He also warned that dragging judges into the political spiral would damage the reputation of the judiciary.
At the same time, former Sen. Somchai Swangkarn spoke on Facebook, denying the information that some judges went to India in early August to "go all-out". He affirmed that the trip is an official training program with a transparent schedule, published on the website of the Constitutional Court, in which the working delegation met with the Chief Justice of India, visited the Supreme Court and the University of Delhi.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong, General Secretary of the Pheu Thai Party, said Ms. Paetongtarn was scheduled to appear in court on August 21 - her birthday.
When asked if the party has a replacement if she encounters a political incident, Mr. Sorawong affirmed: Absolutely not. We have absolute confidence in the Prime Minister's integrity. We let the matter go hand in hand.
Regarding the possibility of a replacement, Sorawong said veteran candidate Chaikasem Nitisiri was always ready if needed, but stressed that all decisions would depend on the courts ruling.
