Shinawatra Family Lawyer Appointed as Cabinet Minister Amid Controversy

[webfact]

 

Pichit Chuenban, a highly trusted lawyer for the Shinawatra family, now joins Thailand's Pheu Thai-led government as a minister in the Prime Minister's Office. His appointment comes amidst stern criticism on his eligibility due to a six-month prison sentence he served for contempt of court in 2008.

 

Critics argue the 65-year-old lawyer's past behavior doesn't meet constitutional requirements of lawmakers' integrity and adherence to ethical standards. The constitution also disallows individuals with prison records, barring minor offences, from holding ministerial positions.

 

Defending his appointment, Pichit maintains that his sentence was due to court order and not a conviction, hence it's not an actual criminal offence. He was among the 13 new cabinet ministers sworn in before King Vajiralongkorn, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

 

In 2008, Pichit and two other lawyers were charged with attempting to bribe court officials while representing ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a corruption case. Upon completing their sentences, the bribery charges were dropped, but Pichit lost his practicing license which remains unrenewed.

 

Pichit's past haunted him during the reshuffle as three activist groups petitioned the Election Commission to seek a Constitutional Court ruling on his eligibility. A similar petition was made to the Ombudsman's Office.

 

Throughout the controversies, Premier Srettha has stood by Pichit's appointment, claiming council of state's confirmation of his eligibility. The council, however, noted their advice only responded to the constitution clauses brought up by the Cabinet Secretariat and the Constitutional Court interprets the constitution.

 

Despite the controversy, Pichit's rich legal experience is indisputable. He has represented Thaksin and his younger sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, during their prime minister tenure and holds multiple degrees in law and political science. He has also served as a legal adviser for Pheu Thai and its allied party, Thai Raksa Chart.

 

File photo : Pichit Chuenban

 

-- 2024-05-06

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

[stoner]

16 minutes ago, webfact said:

The constitution also disallows individuals with prison records, barring minor offences, from holding ministerial positions.

 

you mean thai prison records right ? 

[eisfeld]

Is there a contest going on for getting the most ministers with criminal convictions into government? Completely shameless.

[sammieuk1]

No need to sweep things under the carpet anymore it gets stacked up in full view 10 foot tall 🤔

[ezzra]

It's called Nepotism:

the practice among those with power or influence of favouring relatives, friends, or associates, especially by giving them jobs, a well practiced and often occurrence in this country...

Edited May 5 by ezzra

[jacko45k]

Something smells rotten in the state. 

[findlay13]

9 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Something smells rotten in the state. 

Always has

[Rampant Rabbit]

My heroin...............

Edited May 5 by Rampant Rabbit
speeling hero

[Gottfrid]

Hail Red Leader, send your minions to infect the ranks, ty they are legion.

[OneMoreFarang]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The constitution also disallows individuals with prison records, barring minor offences, from holding ministerial positions.

How about not so minor offences?

 

 

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Pichit Chuenban, a highly trusted lawyer for the Shinawatra family, now joins Thailand's Pheu Thai-led government as a minister in the Prime Minister's Office. His appointment comes amidst stern criticism on his eligibility due to a six-month prison sentence he served for contempt of court in 2008.

The Shin clan taking over again, once sister is back in the fold watch the whole dirty saga unfold.

[hotchilli]

30 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Something smells rotten in the state. 

Worse than Durian

[2baht]

36 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Something smells rotten in the state. 

Has the wind just started to blow your way? 

[thesetat]

i guess we all know now about those private meetings Thaksin had recently. I expect a lot more changes favoring Thaksin to appear soon. 

[mikebell]

What gets me is the total lack of concern or shame from, not just those who facilitate this blatant disregard of ethical conduct, but those who work with them.

[Scouse123]

6 minutes ago, mikebell said:

What gets me is the total lack of concern or shame from, not just those who facilitate this blatant disregard of ethical conduct, but those who work with them.

 

They just really don't care about public opinion, and it shows, the present PM has always been a puppet.

 

32 minutes ago, thesetat said:

i guess we all know now about those private meetings Thaksin had recently. I expect a lot more changes favoring Thaksin to appear soon. 

 

Well, he wasn't having meetings because he liked them or to discuss their favourite colour of hair dye.

[Scouse123]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

 

Pichit Chuenban, a highly trusted lawyer for the Shinawatra family, now joins Thailand's Pheu Thai-led government as a minister in the Prime Minister's Office. His appointment comes amidst stern criticism on his eligibility due to a six-month prison sentence he served for contempt of court in 2008.

 

Critics argue the 65-year-old lawyer's past behavior doesn't meet constitutional requirements of lawmakers' integrity and adherence to ethical standards. The constitution also disallows individuals with prison records, barring minor offences, from holding ministerial positions.

 

Defending his appointment, Pichit maintains that his sentence was due to court order and not a conviction, hence it's not an actual criminal offence. He was among the 13 new cabinet ministers sworn in before King Vajiralongkorn, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

 

In 2008, Pichit and two other lawyers were charged with attempting to bribe court officials while representing ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a corruption case. Upon completing their sentences, the bribery charges were dropped, but Pichit lost his practicing license which remains unrenewed.

 

 

File photo : Pichit Chuenban

 

-- 2024-05-06

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

 

 

I wonder if he was involved in the ' box of chocolates affair? "

 

How many remember that one?....😆

[Callmeishmael]

^Wasn't that a 'box of donuts' that actually had a stack of money 'accidentally' included!  🤣

[klauskunkel]

Governments need their loophole finders, the previous one had Wissanu as their legal eagle, obfuscating, redirecting, downplaying, justifying, I believe he was the one who came up with Prawit's "dead friend" argument and Thamanat's foreign criminal conviction not being relevant for Thailand's ministerial appointments...

As far as the new guy's eligibility is concerned, I think he is a good fit, criminally, morally, ethically and also a good follower.

[Srikcir]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

petitioned the Election Commission to seek a Constitutional Court ruling on his eligibility

This is the same court that ruled PM Prayut was NOT PM for four years (2014-2018) so he didn't violate the eight year limit for office and could run again for PM again in the 2023 election. As such I don't see the junta appointed EC seeking action from the CC, nor the military-backed PTP government.

[Dan O]

"Pichit maintains that his sentence was due to court order and not a conviction, hence it's not an actual criminal offence. He was among the 13 new cabinet ministers sworn in before King Vajiralongkorn, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

 

In 2008, Pichit and two other lawyers were charged with attempting to bribe court officials while representing ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a corruption case. Upon completing their sentences"

 

Gotta love the word play here in this country. a conviction with a sentence from the courts and loss of law license doesnt count because it was a not a real criminal offense????? Dont all convictions or acquittals result in a court order of some type?

[paddypower]

2 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

How about not so minor offences?

 

 

is that species of snake dangerous?

[paddypower]

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

The Shin clan taking over again, once sister is back in the fold watch the whole dirty saga unfold.

I'm very happy he's home and we don't have to refer to him as ''fugitive' PM. No matter how much Thaksin's lackeys twist the words - he's a criminal, a convict, not eligible for a redemption by becoming PM again. Nor can his sister, Yingluk. the rest of the family is brain dead.

[crazykopite]

He’s not the only convicted criminal in government so what difference does it make as yet I have to hear if any other party such as MoveForward have any convicted criminals it’s clear to see that crimes committed in Thailand are rewarded to higher office 

[damian]

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

The Shin clan taking over again, once sister is back in the fold watch the whole dirty saga unfold.

Worryingly, he and they are now under the protective shield of those that are born to rule. He has been given the mandate to be the new 'democratic' face of the army and elite who hope PTP can convince the masses to forget MFP using snake oil polices, monetary hand outs and a young pretty as the frontperson.

 

It will be interesting to see if he can contain himself though. He has Hun Sen esque aspirations which may lead to his downfall again (the lingering les majeste case) if he strays from the agreed agenda.   

[john donson]

don't you not need to have gotten some VOTES from the public for this kind of position in society ?

[Emdog]

A slang term for lawyer is "mouthpiece" and I reckon quite apt in this situation

[Irish star]

Crime Family Returns in full force 

[John Drake]

I miss Prayuth.