Petition calls for PM Paetongtarn’s removal: Adviser appointment

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is embroiled in controversy once again, with a new petition demanding her removal from office over her appointment of Nattawut Saikua as an adviser. Nattawut, a former director of the Pheu Thai family, has a contentious past, leading to the latest challenge against the 38 year old PM’s judgement.

Activist Nopparut Worachitwutthikul, formerly a leader of the Pirabkhao 2006 group, filed the petition with the Election Commission (EC) yesterday, October 15. Nopparut contends that Paetongtarn’s decision to appoint Nattawut as her adviser is a violation of the law.

Nopparut highlighted that Nattawut had previously served jail time for orchestrating a violent red-shirt protest outside the residence of the late Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda on July 22, 2007. As a condition for his early release, Nattawut was required to participate in the royally initiated Kok Nong Na-model farming programme for prisoners, organised by the Corrections Department.

However, Somsak Thepsutin, who was the justice minister at the time, reportedly signed a letter excusing Nattawut from the training, leading to his subsequent release from prison.

Nopparut urged the EC to scrutinise Paetongtarn’s use of her authority in appointing Nattawut, considering his past legal violations. He also criticised Somsak, now serving as the public health minister, for not maintaining honesty standards about the letter that facilitated Nattawut’s release.

The activist expressed concerns that Nattawut’s advisory role might unduly influence the prime minister, potentially leading her to make poor decisions.

“She might not be on to Nattawut.”

Nopparut emphasised the significant power that the adviser position holds, which could overshadow the Thai PM.

Nopparut also revealed plans to file a similar petition against Paetongtarn with the Constitutional Court through the attorney general and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), reported Bangkok Post.

“This is no trivial matter.”

In other news, prolific petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has once again targeted PM Paetongtarn with a fresh complaint, charging her with an alleged assault on media freedom—a move he claims could topple her from power.