The recent get-together at a Khao Yai resort between former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul had no political implications, according to Suwat Liptapanlop, advisory chairman of the Chart Pattana Party.
Mr Suwat said he was invited to the Shinawatra family gathering in Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima. There, Mr Anutin, who is also a deputy prime minister and interior minister, joined Thaksin for a round of golf with a leading businessman.
The Shinawatra family and Mr Anutin also had dinner and sang songs together.
The get-together at the resort, reportedly owned by Mr Anutin, triggered rumours about a high-power political deal having been struck. Thaksin, a paroled former prime minister, is believed to wield considerable influence over the ruling Pheu Thai Party led by his youngest daughter, Paetongtarn.
The weekend get-together came just before Srettha Thavisin will learn whether he will remain prime minister in a Constitutional Court ruling on Aug 14. He could be removed from office over his decision to appoint former convict Pichit Chuenban as prime minister's office minister in the last cabinet reshuffle.
Some experts said Bhumjaithai's alleged dominance of the Senate election could propel Mr Anutin into the prime minister's seat if the court ruling goes against Mr Srettha.
But the Khao Yai get-together has sparked fresh rumours that Thaksin may have asked Mr Anutin to stand aside so that his daughter, Paetongtarn, could replace Mr Srettha.
Yesterday, Mr Suwat, whose party has pledged loyalty to Pheu Thai, insisted no political deal had been struck between Thaksin and Mr Anutin.
It was a coming together of Shinawatra family members and familiar faces for the weekend, he said.
He and Mr Anutin used to work under Thaksin when he was premier.