Phumtham Reassures Amid Prime Minister's Legal Troubles

[webfact]

 

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai today sought to allay concerns over the impeachment bid against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, which the Constitutional Court has just accepted. Speaking to reporters, Phumtham described Srettha as well-prepared to address the impeachment lawsuit and assured that the Pheu Thai-led government remains focused on governing.

 

The lawsuit centres on Srettha's controversial decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban as minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office. Pichit had been implicated in a serious ethical breach in 2008 that involved an attempted payoff connected to a high-profile court case. He resigned from his ministerial post just yesterday under mounting pressure.

 

Srettha, currently abroad on an official trip, was informed of the court's decision and is expected back in the country tomorrow. The Prime Minister made a phone call from Tokyo to check on the situation, emphasising his commitment to responding comprehensively to the impeachment charges. The court has allowed him to continue his duties for now, pending a detailed verdict expected in the coming months.

 

 

Phumtham highlighted that government legal experts are drafting reasoned statements to defend the Prime Minister against allegations that his appointment of Pichit violated both the constitution and political ethical standards. Despite the legal clouds, Phumtham stressed that the government would continue its work without disruption.

 

As speculation swirls, Phumtham dismissed questions about the possibility of Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, potentially stepping in as Prime Minister should the court rule against Srettha. He implied that it is premature to discuss such a scenario, signalling confidence in the government’s ability to navigate these legal challenges.

 

The situation remains dynamic, but the Pheu Thai administration appears committed to maintaining stability and focus amid the unfolding legal proceedings.

 

TOP: Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Photo courtesy: Prachatai

 

-- 2024-05-24

 

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[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Phumtham described Srettha as well-prepared to address the impeachment lawsuit and assured that the Pheu Thai-led government remains focused on governing.

Will the Captain go down with the ship.... PTP governing what.. a shambles?

[The Alien]

It’s all mess because of ‘invisible man’.

[sherwood]

On 5/24/2024 at 1:54 PM, hotchilli said:

Phumtham the rice salesman again comes to the rescue.

Fair dinkum what a bunch of morons.

 

[MarkBR]

On 5/24/2024 at 7:02 AM, webfact said:

 

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai today sought to allay concerns over the impeachment bid against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, which the Constitutional Court has just accepted. Speaking to reporters, Phumtham described Srettha as well-prepared to address the impeachment lawsuit and assured that the Pheu Thai-led government remains focused on governing.

 

The lawsuit centres on Srettha's controversial decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban as minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office. Pichit had been implicated in a serious ethical breach in 2008 that involved an attempted payoff connected to a high-profile court case. He resigned from his ministerial post just yesterday under mounting pressure.

 

Srettha, currently abroad on an official trip, was informed of the court's decision and is expected back in the country tomorrow. The Prime Minister made a phone call from Tokyo to check on the situation, emphasising his commitment to responding comprehensively to the impeachment charges. The court has allowed him to continue his duties for now, pending a detailed verdict expected in the coming months.

 

 

Phumtham highlighted that government legal experts are drafting reasoned statements to defend the Prime Minister against allegations that his appointment of Pichit violated both the constitution and political ethical standards. Despite the legal clouds, Phumtham stressed that the government would continue its work without disruption.

 

As speculation swirls, Phumtham dismissed questions about the possibility of Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, potentially stepping in as Prime Minister should the court rule against Srettha. He implied that it is premature to discuss such a scenario, signalling confidence in the government’s ability to navigate these legal challenges.

 

The situation remains dynamic, but the Pheu Thai administration appears committed to maintaining stability and focus amid the unfolding legal proceedings.

 

TOP: Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Photo courtesy: Prachatai

 

-- 2024-05-24

 

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The question is as always Cui Bono?