Pheu Thai denies connection with ex-leader's anti-coup movement

BANGKOK - Thailand's Pheu Thai Party, previously a ruling party, has denied having any connection with an anti-coup organization newly founded by a fugitive former leader.

The party is not involved in setting up the so-called " Organization of Free Thais for Human Rights and Democracy," the party's acting deputy secretary-general Chawalit Wichayasut was quoted Wednesday by Bangkok Post as saying.

Former Pheu Thai leader Charupong Ruangsuwan on Tuesday announced the establishment of the organization via a video clip on YouTube, saying it would draw together dissidents within and outside Thailand to fight against coup makers and restore democratic rule in the country.

Charupong, a former interior minister now believed to be in self-imposed exile, failed to disclose where the anti-coup movement is based and what operations will be conducted.

Pheu Thai has made no political moves against the work of the military junta, or the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), Chawalit said, adding the party is now part of the NCPO plan to restore democracy in the country.

The NCPO has been asking the international community not to support the organization-in-exile, NCPO spokesman Winthai Suvaree said.

The Foreign Ministry is trying to explain to foreign countries that Charupong's movement is inappropriate under the current circumstances, Winthai said.