Srettha seeks legal counsel from Wissanu amid Pichit controversy

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has sought legal advice from his newly-appointed adviser, Wissanu Krea-ngam, to prepare his defence in court over the contentious appointment of Pichit Chuenban as a PM’s Office minister.

Srettha disclosed yesterday that a defence has already been drafted but requires further refinement before its submission to the Constitutional Court by June 10.

“He is one of the people I have to turn to for advice.”

The 62 year old PM confirmed that Wissanu’s counsel was crucial for his defence. He maintained that Pichit’s appointment adhered to the law.

Following Srettha’s revelation that he had solicited Wissanu’s assistance, Wissanu confirmed the next day that he would indeed be named as the prime minister’s adviser.

Wissanu’s extensive experience includes being deputy prime minister in charge of legal affairs under Prayut Chan-o-cha’s administration post-2014 coup and serving as deputy prime minister under Thaksin Shinawatra from 2002 to 2006. Additionally, he was the Cabinet secretary-general from 1993 to 2002.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai supported Srettha’s decision to appoint Wissanu.

“The prime minister is ready to give everyone a chance to help with the government’s work.”

Political differences

Addressing criticism that the government had no better option than to rely on a former Cabinet minister from the previous administration, Phumtham remarked that the government is trying to put past political differences behind it.

“It is not about creating divisions. It is about serving the country’s interests.”

Sorawong Thienthong, a Pheu Thai MP for Sakaeo, dismissed rumours that some Pheu Thai MPs were dissatisfied with Srettha’s decision. Sorawong said that Pheu Thai is ready to support what the prime minister considers is in the country’s best interest.

“I am confident this will not create any rift within the party.”

On May 23, the court accepted a petition seeking Srettha’s removal over Pichit’s appointment. The judges instructed Srettha to provide an explanation within 15 days but chose not to suspend him as PM pending the ruling.

The court also rejected a similar petition against Pichit, who resigned as PM’s Office Minister last Tuesday. Pichit’s resignation was perceived as an attempt to shield Srettha from potential legal complications related to his appointment.

Previously, 40 caretaker senators had asked the court if Srettha and Pichit should be removed from office under Section 170 (4) and (5) of the charter, which addresses the ethics of Cabinet ministers.

The appointment of Pichit, who had served as ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s lawyer and Srettha’s adviser, raised questions about his eligibility due to his past legal issues. Pichit had served jail time for contempt of court in a bribery case linked to a controversial land deal in 2008, reported Bangkok Post.

On June 25, 2008, the Supreme Court sentenced Pichit and two colleagues to six months in prison after they attempted to bribe Supreme Court officials with a paper bag containing 2 million baht in cash. They were representing Thaksin and his ex-wife in the land case, for which Thaksin received a two-year sentence.