Constitutional Court to Rule on Prime Minister’s Case
PUBLISHED: 24 Jul 2024 at 12:04
The Constitutional Court announced it will provide a ruling on August 14 regarding the case that could lead to the dismissal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
The court stated, “After reviewing the evidence, we find that the case is a legal matter with sufficient grounds for a decision.”
The complaint against Srettha was filed by 40 military-appointed senators in May and concerns the controversial appointment of Pichit Chuenban as a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office. The senators contend that Srettha and Pichit should be removed from office based on Section 170 (4) and (5) of the charter, which addresses ministerial ethics.
Pichit Chuenban has a criminal history, having served six months in prison in 2008 for attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials. Critics argue his past makes him unfit for a ministerial position.
Prior to the acceptance of the petition, Pichit resigned from his ministerial role, a move interpreted as an effort to protect Srettha from potential legal difficulties. The court has agreed to proceed with the case against Srettha, but dismissed the case against Pichit due to his resignation.
Prime Minister Srettha has denied any wrongdoing regarding the appointment, asserting that it was conducted properly.
On June 7, he submitted his defense to the Constitutional Court but opted not to share specific details publicly. “It’s a clarification of my position. I believe I have addressed all relevant points,” he stated.
The potential removal of Srettha could create significant political uncertainty in Thailand, necessitating a new prime minister’s election by parliament. This situation might challenge Srettha’s ruling Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partners, leading to a possible reshuffle within the government and a reevaluation of policies.
