Abhisit set to petition Ombudsman over PM’s parties order

By The Nation

 

File photo

 

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has said he will petition the Ombudsman’s Office today against a junta order issued last month that is viewed as putting established political parties at a disadvantage.

 

Abhisit said he was finalising the petition yesterday and would submit it today.

 

The petition is to request the Ombudsman’s Office to seek a Constitutional Court ruling as to whether the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) order is constitutional.

 

He reported the latest development via a Line chat message on Sunday.

 

The order issued by the ruling junta NCPO in effect requires members of existing political parties to confirm their membership in writing and also submit proof that they are qualified to become party members. 

 

Established parties such as the Democrats and Pheu Thai view the order as a move to “reset” their party memberships. 

 

Meanwhile, former Senate speaker Nikom Wairatpanit yesterday called on Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, in his capacity as the leader of the NCPO, to rescind the order, adding that it would result in a delay of the next election.

 

He said a further delay, postponing the November election promised by Prayut, would severely erode his credibility.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30336880

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-01-23

He should be out walking with the "We Walk group" to Khon Kean, than the people of the North and North East would maybe vote for him as the next PM.

He will keep sitting on tge fence for as long as he can. Never can take a clear and decisive action. After months of mumbling feeble opposition, he declared his party's intention to vote NO in the last referendum (to approve the present distorted constitution) just 2 days prior to voting day.

4 hours ago, webfact said:

He said a further delay, postponing the November election promised by Prayut, would severely erode his credibility.

To say Prayut has any credibility left, is being charitable. 

 

Abhisit really needs to send the elevator down and cultivate new talent.  Even though some of his actions are noble, his past is hurting his party and the whole of Thailand.  

2 minutes ago, yellowboat said:

Abhisit really needs to send the elevator down and cultivate new talent.  Even though some of his actions are noble, his past is hurting his party and the whole of Thailand.  

His past is his kiss of death for his political ambition. 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

He reported the latest development via a Line chat message on Sunday.

 

His 3 followers must be very impressed.

to seek a Constitutional Court ruling as to whether the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) order is constitutional.

 

 

What a farce.

 

How could any such "order" be judged "constitutional"?

 

That said, woe be to the members of the constitutional court who go up against the NCPO/junta.

 

A major part of the Junta's constitution - on which no public discussion was permitted - is to put political parties at a disadvantage and to give power to military stooges.The latest development is consistent with that.I suppose little Abhisit is sticking his head above the parapets now because he realizes correctly the mood of the country has changed, even among the Sino Thai urban middle class..Suddenly he has acquired the cojones that seemed to be lacking before.Whether his newly found courage will advance his interests and ambition is in my view doubtful.

3 hours ago, mtls2005 said:

How could any such "order" be judged "constitutional"?

Read Article 265 of the 2017 Constitution that recognizes Article 44 of the 2014 Interim Charter.

By definition the Order is constitutionally legal.

If the Constitutional Court is wise, it'll reject any such petition for a hearing - no ruling necessary.

1 hour ago, Srikcir said:

Read Article 265 of the 2017 Constitution that recognizes Article 44 of the 2014 Interim Charter.

 

Perhaps. I understood Section 265 to apply to "duties" and "powers" (of the NCPO, remaining in force until an election) rather than any/all/certain "orders".

 

But who knows the true intent as the wording is somewhat convoluted.

 

 

Edited January 23, 20188 yr by mtls2005

The coup backers maybe shifting their allegiance? 

 

Abhisit has little to offer?

7 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

 

Perhaps. I understood Section 265 to apply to "duties" and "powers" (of the NCPO, remaining in force until an election) rather than any/all/certain "orders".

 

But who knows the true intent as the wording is somewhat convoluted.

 

 

Article 44 is written very broadly:

"Under Article 44, Gen. Prayuth is allowed "to order, to suspend, or to take action, regardless of its effects on the legislative, executive or judiciary" against any perceived threats to "public order, national security, the monarchy, national economy or sovereignty of the country." http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2014/07/23/1406122127/

 

The NCPO duties and powers are provided by the 2014 Interim Constitution. As its duties and powers are not specifically defined, only the NCPO has the absolute authority to make such determinations.

 

Essentially NCPO Orders apply to 'whatever.'

As Prayut has said, “Talking in terms of using the Article 44 in this country, I don’t have to be held accountable at all. I can do whatever,” .… But when I use the Article 44, I don’t have to fear anything, because it protects me.” http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2017/08/30/absolute-power-means-can-whatever-prayuth-says/

I don't find that "convoluted."

 

PS: Prayut's absolute power remains in force beyond the national election vote and beyond the PM nomination, until the new government (Executive Branch-PM & Cabinet) has been "installed."

 

Is this the same Ombudsman that was tasked with the problem of inflated food prices at the airports last year? 

1 hour ago, lamyai3 said:

Is this the same Ombudsman that was tasked with the problem of inflated food prices at the airports last year? 

It's the same office.

Gen Viddhavat Rajatanun is the Chief Ombudsman who heads the organization's resources.

http://www.ombudsman.go.th/10/eng/4_2.asp

 

 

 

On 1/23/2018 at 6:34 AM, saakura said:

He will keep sitting on tge fence for as long as he can. Never can take a clear and decisive action. After months of mumbling feeble opposition, he declared his party's intention to vote NO in the last referendum (to approve the present distorted constitution) just 2 days prior to voting day.

That's right. 

He's got one leg in each camp whilst pissing in the middle. 

He runs back and forth between the army and puea thai every other week. 

Most people that play both sides end up with mud in the face. 

Democrats file petition seeking Constitutional Court ruling on controversial Order 53/2560

The Nation

 

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and his deputies on Tuesday filed a petition to the Constitutional Court via the Ombudsman, seeking a ruling against the junta chief’s order to amend the political party law.

 

The order, which extends the periods for their administrative work ahead of the next general election, was later deemed to have included new conditions that political parties said violated their rights. Abhisit said Order Number 53/2560 had violated Articles 26 and 27 of the Constitution.  Article 26 addresses legal enactments, which it states should not violate the rights and freedom of the people, while Article 27 states that the rights and freedom of the people should be protected.  The junta chief’s order is also deemed to violate Article 45 of the charter, which concerns the rights of the people to set up political parties, Abhisit said. Besides, the order may have violated the Constitution in terms of it being a legal enactment that should first pass public hearings in accordance with Article 77.

 

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30336958