PT rejects 'secret deal' rumours

>>The Pheu Thai Party (PT) denies claims that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra struck a secret deal with Constitutional Court judges to influence the upcoming ruling in suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s case over a leaked audio clip of her conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.

- POST REPORTERS

Prompong Nopparit, a former Pheu Thai spokesman, yesterday dismissed the reports as a “groundless fabrication” designed to discredit both Thaksin and Ms Paetongtarn, as the courts prepare to hand down verdicts in two politically sensitive cases this month.

The Criminal Court has scheduled Aug 22 for its verdict in the lèse majesté and computer crime case against Thaksin, widely perceived as the de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party.

A week later, on Aug 29, the Constitutional Court will rule on whether Ms Paetongtarn breached ethical standards in connection with the audio recording.

Opponents are exploiting the timing to stir distrust and confusion, Mr Prompong said, adding that dragging judges into politics could also damage the credibility of 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.