The Pheu Thai Party yesterday defended the right of Yingluck Shinawatra to talk to journalists after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha attacked Thais who "give distorted information" to foreign media.
Ms Yingluck on Friday called a press conference at her home in Lat Phrao, with foreign correspondents and select Thai journalists invited.
Acting Pheu Thai spokesman Anusorn Iamsa-ard said the former premier was cautious with her remarks when speaking to foreign journalists and would do nothing to undermine the country.
In his weekly address to the nation, Gen Prayut referred to attempts to spread distorted information. He said interviews with foreign media could be exploited to cause misunderstanding.
Political observers saw his remarks as being directed at Ms Yingluck who spoke to foreign journalists earlier in the day. It was her first press conference for foreign journalists since the coup.
Ms Yingluck was quoted as saying the invitation was a simple get-together with no agenda.
She told the journalists she was spending her days tending to her vegetables, visiting temples and meeting friends. Ms Yingluck was pictured picking lettuce as she showed her organic vegetable garden to the guests.
Mr Anusorn said he was not sure if Gen Prayut was referring to the ex-prime minister in his remarks later that day. He said Ms Yingluck was an elected prime minister who would not betray public trust and damage the country.
He defended Ms Yingluck’s right to express her opinions, warning the junta’s attitude could backfire and trigger a new round of conflict.