Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung admitted Friday that he really did get drunk while in Malaysia on a trip to discuss the southern unrest earlier this week.
But he insisted it did not occur while he was on duty.
The deputy prime minister was responding to questions from the media about reports that he was drunk during the trip. The reports were backed up by some pictures and video clips of him appearing inebriated.
Mr Chalerm defended his drinking bout, saying it was a celebration for getting together with some old friends he had not seen in two years.
"Five people downing eight bottles of wine together, how wouldn't I be drunk?" Mr Chalerm said.
Besides, he said, he started drinking after his meeting with Malaysian officials and there were no other Thai officials there with him.
Mr Chalerm criticised whoever leaked the pictures and video clips of him for violating his privacy.