PM Silent on Senators’ Impeachment Attempt Amidst Political Tensions

[webfact]

Srettha Thavisin. File photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin today refrained from commenting on speculations tying numerous senators, seeking his impeachment, to Palang Pracharath leader Prawit Wongsuwan. This comes as the impeachment case, filed by 40 senators, progresses through the Constitutional Court. Srettha has a 15-day period to submit his defence.

 

Ignoring calls for further accusations, Srettha emphasised unity within the coalition government, including Palang Pracharath. The senators who filed the case are believed to have affiliations with either former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha or Prawit.

 

The core of the controversy revolves around Srettha’s appointment of Pichit Chuenban to the cabinet. Pichit, a former lawyer for influential figure Thaksin Shinawatra, was named as a minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office. Critics argue that Srettha violated constitutional and ethical standards, given Pichit's past misconduct.

 

In response to mounting pressure, Pichit resigned, yet the impeachment bid remains active against both him and Srettha. The challenge is centred on whether Srettha knowingly overlooked Pichit's past ethical breaches for political gain. In 2008, Pichit had been convicted of attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials, resulting in a six-month jail sentence.

 

Prawit Wongsuwan. File photo courtesy: Wikipedia  

 

The upcoming court proceedings could determine Srettha’s political future. If found guilty, he risks losing his position and facing a ban from political activities for several years. Analysts forecast a court decision within the next few months, with significant implications for Thailand's political landscape.

 

For now, Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin remains focused on governance, navigating the legal and political complexities without inflammatory statements. Meanwhile, the nation watches closely as developments unfold, mindful of the potential shifts in the balance of power.

 

 

-- 2024-05-29

 

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[dinsdale]

1 minute ago, webfact said:

Pichit, a former lawyer for influential figure Thaksin Shinawatra,

And Thaksin says he had nothing to do with it. "I'm just an old man." Anyone who believes this is deluded. It was a set up through and through.

[ChumpChange]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Meanwhile, the nation watches closely as developments unfold, mindful of the potential shifts in the balance of power.

Doesn't anything to do with watches usually involve Prawit?

 

 

Edited May 29 by ChumpChange

[Artisi]

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

And Thaksin says he had nothing to do with it. "I'm just an old man." Anyone who believes this is deluded. It was a set up through and through.

An old lying convicted criminal more like it, only interested in his own self-centred ego. 

[brianthainess]

So Prawit is an AN member and wears his Advanced Member badge with pride.     

 

Edited May 29 by brianthainess

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

The senators who filed the case are believed to have affiliations with either former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha or Prawit.

Still in the mix from the barracks.

[Geir Rasch]

I do not understand Thailand. It seems to be a big case that a person convicted for lied in the court become a minister, but have a drug convict as minister is no problem!?

[klauskunkel]

Yay, Prawit for President, or whatever they use here.