The Pheu Thai Party has denied speculation that it intends to nominate former coup leader and ex-prime minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha as its candidate for the premiership, according to The Thaiger. 

Responding to what he described as “fake news,” Pheu Thai Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong dismissed the claims as groundless and unrelated to the party. He also rejected any suggestion of a political reconciliation with the Bhumjaithai Party, a former coalition partner now in opposition.

“We have never considered Prayut for any role. This information did not come from us,” Sorawong told reporters.

The party instead reaffirmed its unwavering support for suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is currently awaiting a ruling from the Constitutional Court. The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on August 29 in an ethics case linked to a leaked audio recording.

Paetongtarn was suspended on July 1 following a petition from a group of senators. The complaint concerns a private phone conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, in which she allegedly criticised a senior Thai military commander while seeking to ease tensions over a sensitive border issue.

The leaked recording, which surfaced on June 18, coincided with heightened hostilities along the Thai–Cambodian frontier. Sorawong confirmed that the party has not prepared a contingency plan should Paetongtarn be disqualified from office.

“She will attend the hearing on August 21, which also marks her 39th birthday. I believe in her innocence. Nothing can influence the Constitutional Court. Its decision will be based solely on facts and evidence,” he said.

Meanwhile, growing pressure has emerged for the court to make the proceedings accessible to the public. Former senator Somchai Sawangkarn and lawyer Nitithorn Lamlua have both urged that the hearings be broadcast live, arguing that transparency is essential in maintaining public confidence.

Somchai also cautioned National Security Council Secretary-General Chatchai Bangchuad not to protect Paetongtarn in a way that could undermine national security.

“This hearing should be open to the people. They deserve to hear the truth directly. If it is televised, the public can judge for themselves whether the testimonies are credible,” he stated.