4-8-2024 (BANGKOK) Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s political future hangs in the balance as Thailand’s Constitutional Court prepares to deliver a pivotal ruling on Wednesday. The case, which centres on the controversial appointment of ex-convict Pichit Chuenban to a ministerial position, has sparked intense debate and speculation about the stability of the current government.
Political observers, however, are cautiously optimistic about Srettha’s chances of weathering this legal storm. Olarn Thinbangtieo, a political science lecturer at Burapha University, believes the court is likely to rule in the Prime Minister’s favour. “The prime minister pointed out that the appointment of Pichit was in line with the law as he had sought legal advice on the matter,” Olarn explained to the Bangkok Post.
The case stems from a petition filed in May by 40 former senators, who argued that Pichit’s previous conviction for attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials in 2008 should have disqualified him from ministerial appointment. Pichit’s subsequent resignation from his position as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office was widely interpreted as a strategic move to shield Srettha from legal complications.
Stithorn Thananithichot, director of the Office of Innovation for Democracy at King Prajadhipok’s Institute, echoed the sentiment that Srettha’s defence appears robust. “Mr Srettha had argued that he followed the rules by checking Pichit’s qualifications and seeking an opinion from the Council of State before the appointment,” Stithorn noted.
Should the court rule in Srettha’s favour, political analysts anticipate swift action from the Prime Minister to bolster his government’s position. Olarn suggests that implementing key policies, particularly the digital wallet handout scheme, will be crucial in regaining public confidence amidst declining popularity. A cabinet reshuffle is also expected, potentially accommodating demands from coalition partners such as the United Thai Nation Party.
However, the possibility of an unfavourable ruling cannot be discounted. Pornamrin Promgird, a lecturer at Khon Kaen University, believes the court will carefully consider the broader political implications of its decision. “If Mr Srettha is removed from office, everything will have to go back to square one. It will take time to form a new government while the country is struggling with an economic slowdown,” Pornamrin warned.
In the event of Srettha’s removal, a new prime minister would be chosen from among several candidates, including Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, and Palang Pracharath Party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon.
As the nation awaits the court’s decision, Srettha himself has opted not to attend the ruling, citing a busy schedule. Instead, his secretary-general, Prommin Lertsuridej, will be present to hear the verdict on his behalf. “I already sent a closing statement to the court two weeks ago. I did my best. It is now up to the judicial process,” the Prime Minister stated at Government House on Tuesday.
