Yingluck invited on 'personal basis'

The Thai Embassy in Brussels and European Union (EU) representatives in Thailand also confirmed the invitation letter dated October 7 was genuine.

“Elmar Brok and Werner Langen, both members of the European Parliament, decided to extend a personal invitation, given that they did not identify their position in the letter,” Sek explained.

Brok is chairman of the EU Committee on Foreign Affairs while Langen is chair of the panel for relations with Southeast Asia and Asean. 

The invitation letter showed only their signatures, and there was no mention of their positions in the European Parliament. The invitation said the venue of the briefing could be either in Brussels or Strasbourg, France, on a date that Yingluck finds convenient. 

Sek, meanwhile, explained that members of the European Parliament had the right to invite whomsoever they wished for a discussion. 

He added that the Thai Embassy in Brussels and the Thai Mission to the European Union continually update European countries on the progress of Thailand’s reform. 

Separately, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva affirmed that the invitation had not come from the European Parliament but from two individuals, though he hoped the issue would be carefully examined as he believes there might be a conspiracy behind the letter. 

Pheu Thai Party senior member Surapong Tovichakchaikul, meanwhile, criticised Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai for saying the letter was the result of lobbying efforts. “Instead of worrying about the invitation to Yingluck, Don should himself be lobbying for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to explain the Thai political situation to the European Parliament,” he said.

With Yingluck facing a trial in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders, she must seek permission from the court and National Council for Peace and Order if she wishes to travel abroad.