Presiding judge, Kamol Sakoldecha, issued a writ last Friday for former MPs Sophon Phetsawang and Buason Pracharmon to appear before the court on June 14, the official said.

The politicians called a press conference early last month at the Parliament building, where they commented that the Administrative Court was not empowered to rule on whether the April general elections were valid. They also claimed that certain judges in the court had ties with opposition politicians.

Contempt of court is considered an offence under the law and those found guilty face punishment including expulsion from the court compound and a fine of up to Bt50,000 or a maximum one-month prison term, or both.

Pichien Amnartworaprasert, whose appointment to the National Broadcasting Commission was voided by the court, was found guilty of contempt of court for criticising its judicial process. He pleaded guilty to the offence and was punished by formal admonition.