Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, acknowledged having a conversation with Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao, advisor to the chairman of the Klatham Party, following a lengthy period without contact. He urged against sparking drama by associating their meeting with the Senate collusion case or an impending Cabinet reshuffle. He noted that while any political developments are possible after the 69 budget passes through parliament, there are currently no developments to report.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham explained that he encountered Lt. Col. Thammanat at Government House yesterday, despite a busy schedule. During their brief 10-minute meeting over coffee, they exchanged pleasantries, as it had been a while since they last met, given that Lt. Col. Thammanat is not part of the current cabinet. Mr. Phumtham felt compelled to clarify the nature of their meeting to prevent any misconceptions about it being linked to ongoing political issues, including the Senate collusion case and a potential cabinet reshuffle.

In response to inquiries about the political climate following the 2016 budget, Mr. Phumtham reiterated that while anything is possible, it should not be misconstrued as a signal of an impending cabinet reshuffle. He assured that no discussions on such matters have taken place.