Pheu Thai denies hidden bill motive

The main opposition Pheu Thai Party on Sunday defended its draft amendment to the Political Parties Act, a move widely seen as an attempt to allow fugitive prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to exert influence over the party.

Cholnan Srikaew, leader of the party, said its proposed changes to Sections 28 and 29 are lawful and intend to remove any ambiguity over the Act.

These two sections prohibit political parties from allowing non-party members from dominating, influencing or directing party affairs, to limit the freedom of party members.

Under the party’s proposed amendment, non-members can give advice, suggestions, recommendations or information to parties related to political activities, Dr Cholnan said.

However, critics see the proposed revision…