Pheu Thai has distanced itself from a move by party MPs and senators to impeach Constitution Court judges.
Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said yesterday the impeachment move did not represent a party decision. It was at the discretion of individual MPs, he said.
Pheu Thai MP for Chiang Rai Samart Kaewmeechai previously said a legal team was gathering evidence to sue the charter court over its alleged abuse of power, while MPs and senators will sign their names in a move to impeach the judges.
The move was aimed at maintaining a balance of administrative, legislative and judicial powers, Mr Samart said.
The move followed the court's decision on April 3 to accept for consideration a petition by Sen Somchai Sawaengkarn, who asked the court to rule on the legality of the move by 312 MPs and senators to amend Section 68 of constitution.
Pheu Thai MPs and senators backing the amendment on Thursday denounced the court's decision to accept the case.
Mr Samart said the charter court had overreached its powers to interfere with the legislative branch, which is not allowed by the constitution.
But the court insisted it has the authority to proceed with Sen Somchai's request.
Section 68 allows the public to complain directly to the court to examine moves that could undermine the constitutional monarchy or grab power through unconstitutional means.
The amendment would require complaints to be made first with public prosecutors, an act viewed by Mr Somchai as depriving the public of its right to raise the issue with the court.
Mr Prompong denied Democrat Party criticisms that the charter amendment was also intended to jettison all independent organisations, including the Constitution Court.
He said it was understandable that the MPs and senators had opposed the charter court's decision to accept the petition because they only wanted to protect the legislative branch's power.
They had no intention to undermine the court, he said.