Ruling political party dismisses Thaksin audio clip

BANGKOK, July 7 (TNA) - Thailand’s ruling Pheu Thai Party on Sunday dismissed the broadcast of an audio clip of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, saying it was intended for destroying credibility of the coalition government. The 31-minute long clip involved Thaksin and former defence minister General Yuthasak Sasiprapa speaking about the former Thai leader’s return from exile. Prompong Nopparit, spokesman of Pheu Thai Party, said imitated voices had been used for political gains. Speaking to reporters separately, General Yuthasak said he had never met or talked with the ousted premier lately. Meanwhile, Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the major opposition Democrat Party, warned if what the audio file claimed was genuine then the country’s future could be at stake. Thaksin was ousted from power following the bloodless coup on September 19, 2006. He has received a two-year jail sentence in absentia for abusing power to facilitate his then wife Pojamarn in buying land in Bangkok’s prime area from the state. (TNA)