PM Paetongtarn Faces Threat with Impeachment Over Cabinet Pick

[webfact]

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing increased vulnerability to an impeachment lawsuit filed against her. The lawsuit accuses her of breaching political ethics by appointing an allegedly corrupt individual as a minister. This move could have serious implications for her position, given the political history and recent events in Thailand's political landscape.

 

Ruangkrai Leekitwatana filed the lawsuit to the Constitutional Court via the Election Commission, highlighting Paetongtarn's nomination of Surapong Piyachote as deputy transport minister in her cabinet. Surapong has a contentious past, having been accused of involvement in vote-buying activities during his run for head of the Kanchanaburi provincial administration four years ago.

 

Key figures within the Pheu Thai party express concern that Paetongtarn, daughter of de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, might end up being judged guilty by the court. This could potentially result in her impeachment and removal from office, echoing the fate of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, who was ousted under a similar lawsuit.

Surapong had earlier held the same ministerial seat under the former prime minister, raising questions of consistency in the legal and ethical evaluation by Thailand's Constitutional Court. The court had previously ruled on former prime minister’s dishonesty and lack of ethics in the appointment of Pichit Chuenban, a convicted lawyer. This ruling could set a precedent for the current case against Paetongtarn.

 

In addition to this lawsuit, other accusations loom over Paetongtarn. Many claim that her father, Thaksin, unlawfully orchestrated political moves within the Pheu Thai party and among its coalition partners. Allegations include his influence in securing his daughter’s nomination during a clandestine meeting following Srettha’s removal, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

Thaksin's controversial return from self-exile last year and his favourable treatment during a prison sentence add further complexities. He allegedly played a significant role in reshaping the coalition government, leading to whispers of continued behind-the-scenes manipulation.

 

The political future of Paetongtarn remains uncertain, with potential ramifications not just for her but for the entire nation’s political stability.

 

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath

 

-- 2024-09-18

 

 

[Geoffggi]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Thaksin's controversial return from self-exile last year and his favourable treatment during a prison sentence add further complexities. He allegedly played a significant role in reshaping the coalition government, leading to whispers of continued behind-the-scenes manipulation.

I would say "whispers of behind-the-scenes manipulation" is very much "tongue-in-cheek" ...............LOL

[thesetat2013]

Well, that didn't take long. She should have known this would happen when she chose to allow daddy to influence her decisions. Everyone knows and it was easily seen Thaksin was controlling her as well as making all the decisions. When you are a puppet in Thailand you still face consequences that the puppeteer make you do. i wonder how Thaksin will react and who he will manage to place as PM in the next round of musical PM chairs. 

[ukrules]

2 minutes ago, thesetat2013 said:

Well, that didn't take long. She should have known this would happen when she chose to allow daddy to influence her decisions. Everyone knows and it was easily seen Thaksin was controlling her as well as making all the decisions. When you are a puppet in Thailand you still face consequences that the puppeteer make you do. i wonder how Thaksin will react and who he will manage to place as PM in the next round of musical PM chairs. 

 

This is the way all future Prime Ministers will be forced out.

 

The precedent is set now.

 

Only a massive change in whatever law that allows them to do this or an above reproach cabinet (lol) will be the way to avoid it.

 

[jippytum]

If Thaksin insists on choosing his old cronies for senior positions in the cabinet she will always  be subject to scrutiny for allowing it. 

[hotchilli]

19 minutes ago, thesetat2013 said:

Well, that didn't take long. She should have known this would happen when she chose to allow daddy to influence her decisions. Everyone knows and it was easily seen Thaksin was controlling her as well as making all the decisions. When you are a puppet in Thailand you still face consequences that the puppeteer make you do. i wonder how Thaksin will react and who he will manage to place as PM in the next round of musical PM chairs. 

The former case with Srettha has set a president, but we all know the CC is owned and controlled so lets see if double standards apply when it's against Paetongtarn and the puppet master.

[Henryford]

What Minister in Thailand could she appoint that wasn't corrupt?

[mfd101]

1 minute ago, Henryford said:

What Minister in Thailand could she appoint that wasn't corrupt?

Clearly this is a splendid method for ensuring that all governments are composed of gentlemen (and even ladies) as pure as the driven snow.

[Korat Kiwi]

Strange,  one would think that these 'leaders' should know that you have to be squeeky clean to survive in politics. 

 

Possibly why so many don't.  Or they don't have enough money to cover up their corruption. 

[MarkBR]

41 minutes ago, Henryford said:

What Minister in Thailand could she appoint that wasn't corrupt?

Indeed.  This is a problem in many countries.

[mdr224]

Thailand will have a new PM every other day until they embrace real democracy

[lordgrinz]

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

The former case with Srettha has set a president, but we all know the CC is owned and controlled so lets see if double standards apply when it's against Paetongtarn and the puppet master.

 

They don't have Presidents here 🤪

[2baht]

The pantomime continues!!!

[Srikcir]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing increased vulnerability to an impeachment lawsuit filed against her.

Anticipated. The next month is on the political horizon for another "PM for the Month" club. And again without the inconvenience of a democratic electorate national vote. 

[Tropicalevo]

Hmm. Yet when a recent illegal military government appointed a convicted drug smuggler as a minister, that was allowed.

 

Note to the CC - Surapong has not been found guilty of anything - yet.

 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Surapong has a contentious past, having been accused of involvement in vote-buying activities

 

[crazykopite]

There is only one person running the country it’s he who pulls the strings on his cabinet puppets he is overstepping his authority soon it will come crumbling down until he has no option but to flee back into exile . I cannot see his sister returning to Thailand in the near future as it appears incidents of late are not what was planned 

[degrub]

1 hour ago, Tropicalevo said:

Hmm. Yet when a recent illegal military government appointed a convicted drug smuggler as a minister, that was allowed.

 

Note to the CC - Surapong has not been found guilty of anything - yet.

 

 

Yeah, but wasn’t that conviction in another country ?

Clearly it didn’t count 😂

[Will B Good]

 

 

As PM (or the PM's daughter) you would have thought she would have a free hand in choosing cabinet members......drug dealers, bribers, extortionists, rapists, blackmailers......if they are not allowed, she is going to struggle.

[bannork]

This is all hot air. She is the chosen one,

deemed suitable to take on the youthful People's Party, at least until Yingluk returns.

 

[john donson]

daddy say and I do...

[Hunz Kittisak]

5 hours ago, crazykopite said:

There is only one person running the country it’s he who pulls the strings on his cabinet puppets he is overstepping his authority soon it will come crumbling down until he has no option but to flee back into exile . I cannot see his sister returning to Thailand in the near future as it appears incidents of late are not what was planned 

The verdict on this case will show the establishment and the entire country which direction the wind is blowing. Watch this space.