The Pheu Thai Party (PT) has denied allegations that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra arranged a secret deal with Constitutional Court judges to sway the upcoming ruling in suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s case over a leaked audio clip with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.
Former party spokesman Prompong Nopparit on Saturday dismissed the claims as a “groundless fabrication” aimed at discrediting both Thaksin and Ms. Paetongtarn, as courts prepare to deliver verdicts in two politically sensitive cases this month.
The Criminal Court will rule on Aug 22 in Thaksin’s lèse majesté and computer crime case. One week later, on Aug 29, the Constitutional Court is scheduled to decide whether Ms. Paetongtarn breached ethical standards in connection with the leaked recording.
Mr. Prompong accused political opponents of exploiting the timing to stir public distrust and warned that dragging judges into politics could erode confidence in the judiciary.
“Just think about it. Who would ever do such a thing? As for Thaksin’s case, there’s nothing there; it’s not a cause for concern,” he said.
On Ms. Paetongtarn’s case, he argued that witness testimony, documents and explanations presented to the court were comprehensive. “The prime minister has acted transparently, and nothing in the leaked clip undermines the nation’s security,” he added.
The controversy stems from an audio file circulated online on June 18, in which Ms Paetongtarn appeared to criticise the commander of the Second Army Region and sought to placate Hun Sen, even expressing willingness to meet his requests.
The complaint alleges her words amounted to a violation of ethical standards for political office-holders.
In a written clarification submitted to the court last week, Ms. Paetongtarn addressed a particularly contentious remark in the clip: “If there’s anything you want, just let me know. I’ll take care of it.”
She said the comment was a negotiation tactic, not an improper promise of favours, noting Hun Sen had been a personal friend of her father.
Former senator Somchai Swangkarn also rejected speculation of backroom dealings. Writing on Facebook, he said the August 4–9 trip to India by Constitutional Court judges was part of an official study programme, not a secret negotiation.
He described the claims as “completely untrue” and cited evidence published on the court’s website confirming details of the visit.
The site shows the court president and several judges attended the Executive-Level Constitutional Court Officials Training Programme (Batch 1) in India, where they met the country’s chief justice, visited the Supreme Court and Delhi University’s law faculty, and called on the Thai ambassador in New Delhi.
Meanwhile, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, PT secretary-general, said Ms. Paetongtarn plans to appear in court in person on August 21, her birthday, when the inquiry session is scheduled.
Asked if the party had prepared a contingency plan should the prime minister face political repercussions, Mr. Sorawong said: “Not at all. We have full confidence in the prime minister’s integrity, and everything will be dealt with based on the facts. Whatever will be will be. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
He added that veteran nominee Chaikasem Nitisiri remains ready if circumstances require, noting Mr Chaikasem has previously said any candidate for prime minister must be fully prepared.
