The new deadline is now September 19. This is the second extension after the ruling party received approval to delay the trial by 30 days. Before the ruling, the original deadline expired today.

The court battle stems from the alleged bankrolling of small parties to contest the April 2 poll. The trial involves the ruling party, Democrat Party and three small parties: Democratic Progressive, Pattana Chat Thai and Thai Ground. The Thai Ground Party was due to present its defence yesterday, while the deadline for the Democratic Progressive is tomorrow, and Friday for Pattana Chat Thai.

The Democrat Party's deadline to present its evidence is also today.

But following the extension granted to the ruling party, the four parties are all filing for extensions also. Democrat spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon said his party would seek a 30-day extension.

Meanwhile, Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban and Ong-art pleaded not guilty in an arraignment hearing for a defamation lawsuit filed by the ruling party, which claims the two tarnished its reputation by organising a press conference that linked it to the bankrolling of small parties.