Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Phumtham Vejjayachai, currently serving as acting prime minister, expressed no concern over the Constitutional Court's recent order to submit additional witness lists in the Senate collusion case within 15 days. He reiterated that his involvement was limited to chairing a Department of Special Investigation (DSI) committee meeting and emphasized his lack of wrongdoing in the matter.
According to Thai News Agency, Phumtham stated that he had only learned of the court's order the previous day and had already instructed the legal department to address it. He downplayed the significance of the evidence, reiterating that his role was merely to preside over the DSI board meeting. Phumtham also referred to the resolution of the 26th Central Investigation and Inquiry Committee of the Election Commission (EC), which had agreed to prosecute 229 accused in the Senate collusion case. He noted that this decision might serve as evidence but left the legal department to manage the specifics.
Phumtham clarified that he had not prepared any additional witnesses, leaving it to his legal team to handle the factual aspects. He expressed confusion over the accusations against him, maintaining that he had not taken any action related to the senators' collusion case, which he believed was a matter for the senators and the DSI.
Describing his involvement, Phumtham explained that he was named in the lawsuit as the chairman of the special case committee, which had convened to discuss the appropriateness of handling the case. He noted that opinions during the meeting were divided, and he had ultimately decided to halt any decision, allowing each side to reconsider the matter. The meeting was concluded within a week, and the agenda was carried out subsequently. Phumtham highlighted his perplexity over allegations of manipulating the DSI, as he had only assumed his ministerial role on the day of the meeting.
When questioned about the accusations, given his supervisory role over the Ministry of Justice and the DSI as deputy prime minister, Phumtham stated that he had no particular viewpoint and intended to proceed according to legal processes. He emphasized that his involvement was solely in fulfilling his duties as the DSI chairman.
Regarding the potential impact of the 26th EC Subcommittee's decision on the current political landscape, Phumtham refrained from commenting, citing the ongoing judicial process. He reiterated that his role was limited to chairing the DSI committee meetings and expressed reluctance to further address the matter to avoid perceptions of interference in the justice system.
Additionally, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister and Minister of Culture, had requested an extension of 15 days to submit a statement to the Constitutional Court. Phumtham remarked that this was a standard legal procedure, allowing the accused to provide a statement and evidence within the given timeframe. He confirmed that both he and Ms. Paethongtarn had not yet discussed the court's decision regarding the extension.