Today is D-Day for the Thai PM, with the Constitutional Court set to rule on an impeachment request against him.
The impeachment request was brought by 40 senators as a result of Srettha Thavisin appointing Pichit Chuenban as a minister attached to the PM’s Office.
It’s understood that Pichit, a lawyer, has close ties to the Shinawatra family. However, his previous 6-month jail term for contempt of court means he was ineligible for such an appointment. The senators argue that the PM should have known this and are seeking to have him removed for breach of ethics while in office.
Meanwhile, yesterday, August 13, Wissanu Krea-ngam, adviser to the PM, was questioned about what might happen if the court rules against Srettha today. Wissanu says if this happens, the PM and his Cabinet will be dismissed.
However, the PM could remain in his role in an acting capacity until a replacement is sworn in, which could take a number of weeks. Alternatively, he could appoint an acting PM himself.
Asked if Srettha could later return as a candidate, Wissanu says he possibly could, but this will depend on the court’s ruling.
Should Srettha be removed from office, Wissanu says his successor must be chosen from a list of candidates from a party with a minimum of 25 supporting MPs. Meanwhile, the Senate’s power to be part of the process to select a Thai PM has now expired.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
