Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has stated that the governor of Pathum Thani alone has the power to determine the future of Charn Puangpetch, a Pheu Thai candidate who won the recent Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) mayoral election. Despite his win, Charn is facing trial in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders for corruption charges related to his previous role as Pathum Thani PAO chief.

 

The Council of State's Secretary General has said that Charn cannot take up his official duties due to these charges. Over this issue, Anutin stated he would not risk his career by going against the law and that he would consider the Council of State's opinion.

 

Anutin added that he is not worried about upsetting the Pheu Thai party, as he is committed to abide by the law. On the other hand, Pheu Thai Party's deputy leader, Chusak Sirinil, stated that only the court has the authority to prevent Charn from serving as the PAO mayor following his recent win.

 

 

Kaewsan Atibodhi, a former law lecturer at Thammasat University, argued there is no need for the Supreme Court to stop Charn from performing his duties unless it decides otherwise. He supported the secretary general's view and added that the Pathum Thani governor would be held responsible if they allowed Charn to carry out his duties. Kaewsan suggested that Charn should step aside and publicly apologize to peacefully resolve this political issue.

 

Recently, Charn has not been seen publicly. His wife told reporters that he went to the countryside to rest after his long campaign.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-07-04

 

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It´s easy! If he is to stand trail for corruption for the same position he was reelected for, then he should during that time be taken of duty and replace by other person.

How can he be even be  candidate if there are charges??