Thailand PM's Future Hangs in Balance Over Cabinet Appointment

[webfact]

 

Debate is intensifying over the potential ousting of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin following his controversial decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban, a former convict, as a PM’s Office Minister in the latest Cabinet reshuffle.

 

Former senator Wanchai Sornsiri expressed confidence that the Constitutional Court will likely dismiss the case against PM Srettha, pointing out that no court ruling has been made on the specific crime that would prevent Pichit from taking up the ministerial position.

 

Pichit was accused of attempted bribery in 2008 while representing former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a contentious land case. Although he was sentenced to six months in jail, Wanchai clarified that this was for contempt of court, not for attempted bribery.

 

Wanchai also mentioned that the Thai premier had sought the Council of State’s opinion regarding the matter, indicating that the 62-year-old prime minister was committed to adhering to legal procedures.

 

In contrast, former Democrat MP Thepthai Senpong predicted that the Bangkok-born Srettha is likely to be removed from office and replaced by Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, who enjoys substantial support from conservative factions.

 

“The political circumstances are changing. Most members of the new Senate have good ties with Bhumjaithai. The recent golf date between Anutin and Thaksin at a resort in Nakhon Ratchasima is a sign that a compromise has been reached.”

 

The controversy began when a group of 40 caretaker senators filed a petition with the Constitutional Court in May, demanding PM Srettha’s removal for allegedly violating the constitution by appointing Pichit. They argued that Pichit was unsuitable for a cabinet role due to his 2008 conviction for attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials with a paper bag containing 2 million baht.

 

Pichit resigned from his ministerial position just before the court accepted the petition, a move seen as an effort to shield the Thai PM from legal complications.

 

The Constitutional Court is set to deliver its verdict on the case against PM Srettha tomorrow.

 

Picture courtesy: Travel Daily News

 

-- 2024-07-29

 

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[Will B Good]

6 minutes ago, webfact said:

Although he was sentenced to six months in jail, Wanchai clarified that this was for contempt of court, not for attempted bribery.

 

Sounds like a fine, upstanding character to me......perfect for high office (in Thailand)

 

1. Malfeasance in Office:

• Chuenban was found guilty of abuse of power in connection with the rice subsidy scheme, which involved the manipulation of rice stockpiles and documentation for financial gain.

2. Corruption and Bribery:

• The case included elements of bribery and corruption, where officials, including Chuenban, were accused of accepting bribes to facilitate and cover up the fraudulent activities.

[ikke1959]

Most of time the CC rules in favor of the Government never against it... So this will be the same, however MFP is not Government so that is more danger for them. Expecting to dissolve and ban

[daveAustin]

They're pretty much all bent anyway (just to what extent and how clever are they at hiding it), but any excuse to get rid of the smiling donkey is ok with me. 

[hotchilli]

20 hours ago, webfact said:

Debate is intensifying over the potential ousting of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin following his controversial decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban, a former convict, as a PM’s Office Minister in the latest Cabinet reshuffle

What's the odds on Srettha out and Anutin in?

Has Thaksin been pulling strings in the 19th hole?

[hotchilli]

20 hours ago, Will B Good said:

 

Sounds like a fine, upstanding character to me......perfect for high office (in Thailand)

 

1. Malfeasance in Office:

• Chuenban was found guilty of abuse of power in connection with the rice subsidy scheme, which involved the manipulation of rice stockpiles and documentation for financial gain.

2. Corruption and Bribery:

• The case included elements of bribery and corruption, where officials, including Chuenban, were accused of accepting bribes to facilitate and cover up the fraudulent activities.

Fine upstanding chap...

[Srikcir]

22 hours ago, webfact said:

The Constitutional Court is set to deliver its verdict on the case

It's a shame the Sovereign People of Thailand cannot deliver their verdict on the constitutionality of the Constitutional Court. The Thai electorate has no representation in the CC.

[jcmj]

I wouldn’t mind seeing him replaced. Just not with Anutin. He’s not very good for the foreigners. Only time will tell. 

[brianthainess]

This Clown with absolutely no political experience whatsoever needs to be outed, even Prayuth did better, and at least Anutin has plenty of political experience. This PM has achieved absolutely nothing, except putting Thailand in further Debt. The worst PM in recent history. IMO.  

[Thingamabob]

It hasn't taken Thaksin long to figure out that political power at the moment, and increasingly, lies with Anutin. Expect Srettha to be dumped, probably sooner rathet than later.

[jippytum]

His departure will be a setback for Thaksin but no loss to Thailand. 

[kingstonkid]

22 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Most of time the CC rules in favor of the Government never against it... So this will be the same, however MFP is not Government so that is more danger for them. Expecting to dissolve and ban

Most of the time they DON'T Rule in favor of the government they rule in favor of the military rich elite.

 

This is going to be the way to quasi military rule where the people that were no elected will take back control 

[jippytum]

Thaksin will not want to lose his puppet just now as his daughter with the Thaksin superior DNA is no way ready to take over. 

[john donson]

effective and swift death penalty for any governmental corruption...