Petition pushing for Prayut’s disqualification as Cabinet member handed to Constitutional Court

PHOTO: The Nation

Lower House speaker, Chuan Leekpai, has forwarded a petition to the Constitutional Court calling for the disqualification of PM General Prayut Chan-o-cha as a Cabinet member. The petition, signed by 101 MPs, was handed to Chuan by opposition Pheu Thai Party member Chonlanan Srikieo.

The petition suggests that Prayut does not qualify as a Cabinet member, according to the charter, as he is already a state official. Prayut is reportedely being considered for the post of defence minister in the new cabinet as the incumbent, Prawit Wongsuwan, has voiced plans to step down due to failing health.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) said it had received a similar petition earlier against Prayut taking over as PM, but chose not to forward it to the Constitutional Court, saying it had already approved the nomination by Phalang Pracharat Party and that his status was valid according to the charter and related laws.

However, the opposition MPs said the EC’s verdict was unclear and wanted this matter to also be forwarded to the Constitutional Court for further consideration.

Pressure continues to pile on the PM and the fragile coalition, which spans 19 parties, in the new Thai parliament. The Cabinet list has been forwarded to HM The King for consideration.

SOURCE: The Nation