The Future Forward Party is unfazed by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon's threat of legal action against it over remarks the party made overseas allegedly attacking the regime, according to a party spokeswoman.
The spokeswoman, Pannikar Wanich, told the Bangkok Post that Future Forward wanted to ask Gen Prawit what law it broke that would warrant legal backlash.
She said party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit spoke at overseas forums at the invitation of leading academic institutes. Ms Pannikar insisted the invitations were too much of an honour to be passed up.
Gen Prawit said Mr Thanathorn must be held responsible for what he said at the forums and he cannot berate the country or the Thai government. Mr Thanathorn was accused of speaking ill of both, prompting a response from Gen Prawit who said Tuesday the Future Forward leader could be prosecuted if he spoke any untruths.
The deputy premier said there was no need to monitor Mr Thanathorn's movements.
Ms Pannikar said Mr Thanathorn's participation in meetings at universities in Canada, the US and the UK were held in parallel with the UN Assembly.
The knowledge Mr Thanathorn gained will be useful for improving the party's manifesto in the election, which could eventually benefit the country if Future Forward becomes part of the next government, she said.
"Thai people have not had the chance to have an election in eight years. We, as a political party, are obligated to offer the best possible policies. Next year's election is a very meaningful one," said Ms Pannikar.
Early this week the Election Commission warned the party against receiving donations after it announced it had earned nearly 20 million baht, also from souvenir sales. Parties must seek permission first, it said.
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