A further threat to PM’s leadership as court set to rule in military housing case

The leadership of Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha could be under threat, and not just from the tens of thousands of activists calling for his resignation. On December 2, the Constitutional Court will rule in a case that accuses the PM of abusing his power by occupying a military-owned residence, despite the fact that he retired from the army 6 years ago.

The Speaker of the Thai House of Representatives, Chuan Leekpai, brought the case earlier this year, following a request from the leader of the Pheu Thai opposition party, Sompong Amornwiwat. Sompong accuses the PM of an abuse of power and a violation of supreme law, by occupying a property inside the First Infantry Battalion of Royal Guards in Bangkok, despite no longer being in the military.

The PM is accused of violating Section 160 of the Thai Constitution and failing to comply with ethical standards, by unlawfully receiving a benefit from a government agency. He previously served as Army commander-in-chief from 2010 to 2014, before orchestrating a military coup and seizing power as leader of the National Council for Peace and Order.

In February of this year, he claimed his stay in the military property was for security reasons, adding that he was already making plans to move to his private residence.

“I worked to serve this country my whole life. Regardless of the regulations and law, I am still working. The thing to be concerned about is that I am also the Prime Minister, who must stay at a proper place to maintain security. Anyway, I have already prepared to stay at my own home soon.”

If next month’s Constitutional Court ruling finds the PM guilty of violating supreme law, he could be forced to resign from his position.

SOURCE: The Pattaya News