Picture courtesy of Council on Foreign Relations

 

BANGKOK - In a bold statement, the Pheu Thai Party quashed rumours about backing former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for their top seat, branding the speculation as mere gossip. Party Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong firmly denied any links to the rumour, emphasising that there was no plan for political reconciliation with the Bhumjaithai Party, which was previously a coalition ally.

 

“We’ve never considered Prayut for any role. This didn’t come from us,” asserted Sorawong.

 

The party remains steadfast in its support for suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who faces a key ruling by the Constitutional Court. Slated for tomorrow, August 21, the court will decide on an ethics issue involving a leak of a private discussion.

 

Paetongtarn’s suspension came on July 1 after a complaint citing a contentious call with Cambodia’s former Prime Minister, Hun Sen. Allegedly, she critiqued a Thai military figure and attempted to soothe Hun Sen regarding a border dispute, coinciding with heightened border friction. Sorawong remarked that the party has no contingency plan if she loses her position.

 

“She will be at the hearing on Thursday, her 39th birthday. I believe in her innocence. Nothing can pressure the Constitutional Court. The decision will rest on facts and evidence,” he stated.

 

A growing call for transparency in judicial proceedings is resonating throughout the country.

 

Notably, former senator Somchai Sawangkarn and lawyer Nitithorn Lamlua have advocated for a live broadcast of the hearing. They argue that public trust in the court's impartiality is critical.

 

Somchai also voiced his concerns to Chatchai Bangchuad, the National Security Council Secretary-General, cautioning against prioritising Paetongtarn's defence over national security interests.

 

“The hearing should be public. The people want to hear the truth directly,” Somchai proclaimed.

 

“The public deserves to see if the testimony is truthful,” he added, supporting a call for televised proceedings.

 

As the court prepares to deliver its decision, the nation watches closely, eager for clarity and justice in this politically charged atmosphere.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-21

 

Tomorrow's headline.....

 

Prayut accept invitation to be Pheu Thai leader.

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Nothing can pressure the Constitutional Court.

 As we all know it should be the CCC not the CC. The Corrupt Constitutional Court which is the protector of the establishment.

Give me the top job or else ...

quashed rumours  = Thai speak "it's true" !

 

 

Well the country certainly ran, surprisingly, better under him than the you know who great disruptor. Takki is all me me ego, changing too much too fast. 

Couldn't get any worse than the current snafu.  Why not?

4 hours ago, blaze master said:

Tomorrow's headline.....

 

Prayut accept invitation to be Pheu Thai leader.

Thailand slipping into the abyss.

1st Thaksins return and now the possibility of Prayuts return.

 

Yes..   Prayut is the Thai KIngdom's  "Real Uncle"    

People around here want him back ! 

https://www.facebook.com/reel/642743548656211

5 hours ago, blaze master said:

Tomorrow's headline.....

 

Prayut accept invitation to be Pheu Thai leader.

Decision on the suspension of PM due tommorow the 29th of August, I thought tommorow was the 22nd 

 

That man was always a gross incompetent, and he set the Thai economy back 20 years with his failed policies and completely ridiculous administration. He is barely fit to lead a Boy Scout Troop, much less the nation. 

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Sorawong remarked 

“Nothing can pressure the Constitutional Court.”

No need for pressure, just some envelopes. But you know that, Sorawong, don't you.

A govt that can't even get the dates right! Paetongtarn's b'day is August 21 (a national holiday?).

17 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha