PM Srettha Dismisses Resignation Rumours Amid Legal Challenges

[webfact]

 

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has firmly dismissed rumours about his potential resignation or dissolving the House of Representatives. These speculations have gained traction as he faces a Constitutional Court case questioning his appointment of Pichit Chuenban as a PM’s Office minister.

 

In a recent statement, Srettha clarified, “I never think about resignation or a House dissolution. Let the legal procedure take its course. I never think of running away. When the judges have questions, I have the duty to explain and respect their decision.”

 

His legal team has already provided a list of additional witnesses to the court. This case, initiated by 40 senators in May, questions if Srettha and Pichit should be removed under Section 170 (4) and (5) of the charter, focusing on the ethics of Cabinet ministers.

 

Interestingly, Pichit resigned just as the court accepted the petition, seemingly to protect Srettha from legal issues. The court will hear Srettha’s case on Tuesday, June 18, with evidence to be submitted by Monday.

 

There is a chance that Srettha could lose his position if the court rules against him. However, his prospects might have improved after appointing legal expert Wissanu Krea-ngam as an adviser. Wissanu reviewed the prime minister’s defence documents, though he did not draft them.

 

Pichit's appointment raised ethical questions due to his past; he was previously jailed for contempt of court in a 2008 bribery case related to former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. This history makes his eligibility for a cabinet role contentious.

 

In the backdrop, political science lecturer Yuttaporn Issarachai from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University highlighted the importance of these Constitutional Court cases: “The outcome of the court cases could change the political landscape.”

 

These legal decisions could lead to a new prime minister being elected by parliament and potentially a new coalition government.

 

Additionally, the Constitutional Court will soon hear a case against the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), which could also significantly alter the current political dynamics. If the MFP is dissolved, some members might join other parties, potentially reshaping future coalitions.

 

All eyes are now on the court rulings, which are set to reshape the country's political future.

 

Picture courtesy: News Directory

 

-- 2024-06-15

 

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[JoePai]

Why should he resign, he's having too much fun on his overseas trips

[Pouatchee]

 i used to write pita in sreta out but now i in view of this latest development:

 

 

 

i am not so sure anymore... but i still want puke thai out

Edited June 15 by Pouatchee

[Felton Jarvis]

Being unelected is never a problem in Thailand. this knob has caused more problems since he took office than any other PM in Thai history.

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

These legal decisions could lead to a new prime minister being elected by parliament and potentially a new coalition government.

Both should be elected by the people...  party and PM 

[kingstonkid]

Will the Senate have a say in replacement if not then I think it could be a party change and Tony will not be happy 

[dinsdale]

3 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

 i used to write pita in sreta out but now i in view of this latest development:

 

 

 

i am not so sure anymore... but i still want puke thai out

This is not a recent development. It's an article based on speculation.

[klauskunkel]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Srettha clarified, “I never think of running away."

No Thai ever does, it's an involuntary reflex that takes over the body and releases it only when they arrive at their mama's house.

[dinsdale]

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

Both should be elected by the people...  party and PM 

The party should be elected by the people with that party putting forward their PM candidate prior to the election. If for some reason the PM gets rolled then it can only be the Party that rolled them that chooses the replacement PM. The entire Senate should also be elected by the people.

[ikke1959]

If he says so i believe him. No cabinet reshuffle surely and a few days later...... Everything they say is true...but in a few days time.....

[spidermike007]

Please resign. You are no good. You are an incompetent. You were not elected, but rather appointed by extremely greedy men. 

 

Get out. Get out now. 

[zzaa09]

Hmmm....

I smell Shinawatras in the house, doing what they do. 

 

 

Won't be long. 

[Srikcir]

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Please resign. You are no good. You are an incompetent. You were not elected, but rather appointed by extremely greedy men. 

 

Get out. Get out now. 

I agree with your comments.

But by staying he shows what a travesty this system of government truly is - an unelected Deep State that has little tolerance for political deviation from its own rigid authoritarian and fear to any progressive, liberal thinking. Better to fall in battle than whimper in obedience.

[dinsdale]

Oddly I haven't seen a recent poll on the preferred PM. Apart from a couple of weeks ago. Pretty conclusive that was. Oddly again is the Party that won the general election and the person they put forward as PM were denied their democratic right to govern by Junta Senators and will be dissolved. Move Thailand Forward (their next name IMO) will be dissolved on the 18th by the Junta's legal apparatus. It is not allowed to challenge the status quo in Thailand.

Edited June 15 by dinsdale

[Felton Jarvis]

Srettha should be swinging from a scaffold.  Thailand does not need unelected leaders. It's treason.