Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied hearing former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra discuss collusion with the Senate during a meeting at the Chansongla house. Anutin emphasized that filing a complaint under Section 157 of the National Economic and Social Development Board would not interfere with government operations, asserting that acting rightly poses no issues and reiterating that the Bhumjaithai Party is not connected to the Senate.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin addressed the situation where Thaksin reportedly admitted to conversing with Newin Chidchob and Anutin about the Senate collusion case. Anutin insisted that he did not hear any such discussion, suggesting he might have been momentarily absent from the room. He responded to inquiries about his involvement by distancing himself from the matter.
When questioned about Thaksin's potential intentions to outmaneuver the Bhumjaithai Party, Anutin dismissed the speculation, stating his focus is currently on the no-confidence debate.
Reporters further asked Anutin about the implications of a Senate counter-attack involving a complaint against Section 157 of the 11-member Special Case Committee (SCC) led by Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai. Anutin questioned how this would affect him or the Senate's operations, maintaining that lawful actions would not result in problems.
Finally, when asked about the Department of Special Investigation's (DSI) prosecution of Senators possibly being a tactic to weaken the Bhumjaithai Party, Anutin declared indifference, emphasizing that it does not concern him or his party unless directly related.