Thai PM Paetongtarn Seeks Clarity on Ethics Code for Cabinet Eligibility

[webfact]

File photo courtesy: Siam Rath

 

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is taking steps to clarify the definition of "a lack of clear honesty" as outlined in the Thai constitution, particularly concerning those aspiring to join the cabinet. This move is intended to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards, as she seeks guidance from the Constitutional Court on the matter.

 

The initiative stems from constitutional Section 160, which stipulates qualifications for cabinet ministers, requiring them to exhibit clear honesty and a clean ethical record.

 

Ms Paetongtarn has assigned Prime Minister's Office Minister Chusak Sirinil to formally request the court's interpretation. "We wish to ascertain the exact parameters of 'honesty' to create a transparent framework for ministerial qualifications," she stated.

 

The request for interpretation is not linked to any potential reshuffles within the cabinet, according to the Prime Minister. Her focus is on preemptively addressing any ethical complaints that might arise from this somewhat ambiguous constitutional phrase.

 

This matter comes into sharp focus following the ousting of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. He was removed from office due to breaching ethical standards, an action that invoked the very same section of the constitution now under scrutiny.

 

With pundits speculating, there are concerns that these stipulations might also pose a future challenge for Ms Paetongtarn. She was recently a stakeholder in Alpine Real Estate and the Alpine Golf and Sports Club.

At the core of the court's intervention lies its stark ruling from August last year, which saw Srettha stripped of his role. His downfall was attributed to appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister, a decision that contravened the ethical requirements.

 

In response, the ruling Pheu Thai Party has tabled a bill proposing changes to the 2017 constitution, including reevaluating Section 160.

 

Despite having transferred her shares in these and other family-owned entities before taking on her governmental role, analysts caution that Ms Paetongtarn's position might still be compromised. This echoes concerns raised by a 2017 court decision against the party's former leader, Yongyuth Wichaidit.

 

Her appeal to the court reflects an effort towards ensuring adherence to ethical standards, providing clarity for her administration, and safeguarding its members from potential pitfalls that troubled her predecessors.

 

The outcome will likely provide a precedent for interpreting ethical expectations for Thai political figures, potentially impacting the country's political landscape. As the nation watches, clarity on this issue is eagerly awaited, its implications resonating beyond just the present government, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-28

 

 

[BritManToo]

Odd, as I can see clearly who has a lack of clear honesty .......

Being a sock puppet for a relative = lack

Having a criminal conviction = lack

Hiding your net worth = lack

Ever being a member of the police or armed forces = lack

[ozz1]

Because daddy told to do it  nothing to see here

[MikeandDow]

BS   (The initiative stems from constitutional Section 160, which stipulates qualifications for cabinet ministers, requiring them to exhibit clear honesty and a clean ethical record. ) Thailand has NO IDEA  telling a corupt goverment to come clean is a joke

[klauskunkel]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

We wish to ascertain the exact parameters of 'honesty'

Unbelievable

I suggest to ascertain the exact parameters of "stupidity" next, might just come in handy

[expat_4_life]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Thai PM Paetongtarn Seeks Clarity on Ethics Code for Cabinet Eligibility

 

The initiative stems from constitutional Section 160, which stipulates qualifications for cabinet ministers, requiring them to exhibit clear honesty and a clean ethical record.

 

She should resign, she is just a stand-in for her exiled/disgraced father concern trolling the public about honesty and ethics in politics.

One can have hopes and dreams ... 🙈 

[MikeandDow]

Wondering WHEN!  will the Thai people wake up to all this BS

[bamnutsak]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

"We wish to ascertain the exact parameters of 'honesty' to create a transparent framework for ministerial qualifications,

 

If you have to ask what "honesty" means maybe you should step down.

[Thingamabob]

The PM is talking about an ethics code ? Stunning hypocrisy from someone who has just approved the return of 40 plus Uyghurs to detention and torture in China.

[phil2407]

Didn’t Thanatorn do that for The move forward party but got banned & the entire party? 

[MikeandDow]

Maybe Thailand should have a coup becuse this is starting to be ridiculous

[Purdey]

Is it not normal to ask a court for an interpretation of a law?

[MikeandDow]

5 minutes ago, Purdey said:

Is it not normal to ask a court for an interpretation of a law?

Its not normal to have a goverment like this, the people did not vote for them.

[bamnutsak]

Based on the photo it must not have been "Bring your Dad to Work Day"?