Justice Minister Calls for Clarification on Ethics Provisions in Constitution
PUBLISHED: 19 Sep 2024
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong has emphasized the need for amendments to the constitution regarding the ethics of political officeholders, asserting that the current definition of “honesty” is ambiguous.
As the leader of the Prachachart Party, Tawee noted that the constitution has been in effect for over seven years, and his party is in favor of addressing its shortcomings.
He specifically pointed to Section 160, which outlines the requirements for individuals aspiring to join the cabinet, emphasizing the need for clearer definitions surrounding ethics and honesty.
“There is a lack of clarity regarding ethics. How should we precisely define ‘honesty’?” he questioned.
His comments follow the Constitutional Court’s removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for an ethical breach connected to his appointment of a former convict as a cabinet minister.
Tawee expressed concern that independent agencies hold excessive power, which should be limited to ensure accountability without overreach.
“While we support independent agencies in monitoring the government and addressing corruption, their operations must remain within appropriate boundaries,” he stated. “The risk of political party dissolution under the constitution is a significant concern.”
Last month, the charter court’s decision to dissolve the Move Forward Party and impose a decade-long political ban on its executive members stemmed from the party’s proposal to amend the lese-majeste law, which was deemed a threat to the constitutional monarchy and national security.
The opposition People’s Party, an evolution of the Move Forward Party, has recently backed the push for clearer definitions of ethics, particularly as many of its members face ongoing investigations related to their support for the lese-majeste law reform.
Tawee called for a comprehensive consultation involving various sectors to discuss charter amendments, covering decentralization and the rights and freedoms of citizens.
Former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn cautioned on Thursday that efforts to revise the constitution, especially regarding political ethics and the authority of independent agencies, could have adverse repercussions.
“Is this reminiscent of the blanket amnesty?” Somchai queried, recalling the significant protests against a similar initiative proposed by the Pheu Thai Party during the Yingluck Shinawatra administration, which ultimately contributed to the 2014 coup.
The previous attempt at a blanket amnesty was largely perceived as an effort to clear former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was in exile at the time, of past charges.
