The Pheu Thai Party swiftly quashed rumours spreading across social media about Panthongtae Shinawatra’s alleged appointment as chief of strategy and national economy.
Chayapa Sindhuprai, serving as the party’s deputy spokesperson, made an emphatic statement on X, clarifying that these reports were unfounded and likely intended to sow confusion and damage the coalition government’s reputation.
Chayapa asserted that during the Pheu Thai Party’s recent seminar in Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Hua Hin district, no such appointments were made. She further clarified that Panthongtae, who is the elder brother of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and a prominent figure in the Shinawatra family, holds no official role within the party or the Pheu Thai-led government.
“The report is completely baseless and aims to create misunderstandings among the public.”
The rumours began after a photograph of Panthongtae aboard a train to Hua Hin was shared online, accompanied by a caption suggesting he was attending the seminar in an official capacity as the “chief of strategy and national economy.”
The post gained traction, prompting reactions from various figures, including legal expert Paisal Puechmongkol, who shared it on Facebook with a seemingly sarcastic congratulation for Panthongtae’s supposed new role.
Meanwhile, Election Commission (EC) chairperson Ittiporn Boonpracong announced that the commission would review remarks made by Thaksin Shinawatra at the same Hua Hin seminar. Thaksin, a former premier and influential figure within the Pheu Thai Party, reportedly accused certain coalition parties of deliberately skipping a Cabinet meeting last week, raising questions about potential manipulation within the party.
The EC has received four complaints alleging Thaksin’s undue influence over Pheu Thai. These complaints cite meetings between coalition party leaders at Thaksin’s residence before the selection of a prime minister to succeed Srettha Thavisin.
Additionally, the government’s policy statement to Parliament, which some claim mirrors Thaksin’s vision as presented at a previous forum, is under scrutiny.
The complaints were submitted by the Thai Pakdee Party, the Palang Pracharath Party, Noppharut Worachitwutthikun, a former leader of the political group Phirap Khao 2006, and an unnamed individual. The EC’s inquiry panel will be looking into these allegations thoroughly to ascertain any potential breaches of conduct within the party’s leadership dynamics, reported Bangkok Post.
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