Bangkok: Responding on behalf of the Prime Minister, Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, addressed allegations regarding the misuse of the national budget for international travel. Mr. Phumtham emphasized that the Prime Minister possesses substantial personal assets, making it unnecessary for her to embezzle government funds for such purposes.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham clarified that the recent criticism directed at Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra over alleged government budget misuse was unfounded. He urged those involved in spreading such drama, particularly on platforms like Facebook and other social media, to act responsibly. He stated that the Prime Minister often uses her personal finances for travel and that certain diplomatic matters require confidentiality. The disclosure of details is limited due to the sensitive nature of international relations and negotiations.

Mr. Phumtham also pointed out that the Prime Minister’s significant personal wealth negates any incentive to misuse government resources, highlighting that such actions would only harm her reputation. He called on the public to focus on factual information rather than contributing to unnecessary drama. The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that governance involves sensitive issues that are not always suitable for public discussion.

In response to queries about a recent social media post by the Prime Minister with former Prime Minister Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, Mr. Phumtham expressed his support for Ms. Yingluck concerning her involvement in the rice pledging case. He dismissed any implication that the Prime Minister’s meeting with Ms. Yingluck was inappropriate, reiterating that his actions stemmed from personal sympathy rather than political motives.