Report Thaksin’s Niece Denies Explosive Cambodia Spy Claims

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

Thaksin Shinawatra’s niece has faced explosive accusations of spying for Cambodia, which a senior government official has strongly denied. Russ Chalichan, assistant to Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, dismissed the claims as completely without foundation.

 

It was alleged online that Chayika Wongnapachant, linked to the court-suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was working undercover at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs to collect intelligence for Cambodia.

 

According to these baseless claims, the alleged spy work involved intelligence on recent skirmishes between Thai and Cambodian forces at the contentious border.

 

The scandalous allegations tied Chayika to covert activities, supposedly feeding vital information from Bangkok to Phnom Penh. These rumours have stirred public suspicion, especially given her appointment as an adviser to the foreign affairs minister during the preceding Pheu Thai-led administration.

 

Concerns have heightened among the Thai public over potential pro-Khmer sentiments within the governing party, which is wary of any connections to the Shinawatra lineage.

 

Thus, swirling speculations have captured Chayika, the daughter of Thaksin's sister, Yaowaret Shinawatra. Her link to the family has fuelled chatter that could resonate with some perceived naivety and pro-Cambodian stance allegedly shown by Paetongtarn in previous conversations with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

 

Simultaneously, ministers have stepped forward to quell circulating rumours regarding Paetongtarn’s potential resignation amid an ongoing impeachment process.

 

Prime Minister’s Office Minister Chusak Sirinil has categorically denied any notion of her leaving her role prior to the Constitutional Court’s decision. This deliberation on her fate is anticipated to be revealed either later this month or early next, keeping political circles watchful.

 

Within Pheu Thai, speculation mounts about Thaksin’s next move if Paetongtarn faces ousting. Eyes turn to the sole remaining candidate from the party’s prime ministerial shortlist, MP Chaikasem Nitisiri. Yet whispers suggest Thaksin might harbour limited trust towards him, adding another layer of drama to the party’s leadership conundrum.

 

Government officials insist that the claims against Chayika lack merit, despite the intensity of this political turbulence. Those using social media to stir public unrest portray the alleged spy scandal as an unfair attack on her and the ruling family.

 

The authorities have underlined the significance of not letting unverified and inflammatory assertions disrupt governance and diplomatic relations.

 

What remains is a political landscape fraught with intrigue and charged accusations. Both Paetongtarn’s and Chayika’s futures hang precariously in the balance, pending legal and political resolutions. 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-08-05

 

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Thaksin Shinawatra’s niece has faced explosive accusations of spying for Cambodia, which a senior government official has strongly denied.

 

If unpleasant thinngs are said about, probabably there's a good reason for it