Eligibility of Pirapan Remains Unquestionable

In a bold move, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has casually brushed off allegations questioning the eligibility of Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga to serve within her cabinet. These accusations were sparked by a petition filed with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) on April 23, raising red flags about Pirapan's apparent ownership of shares in four companies despite transferring them to a managing entity.

Political activist Sonthiya Sawasdee, the petitioner, alleges that Pirapan continues to profiteer from these companies, which could violate Section 187 of the Thai Constitution, prohibiting cabinet ministers from engaging in private business ventures [1][3].

Undeterred by these accusations, Prime Minister Paetongtarn has shown a notable confidence in Pirapan's appointment, asserting that his eligibility was thoroughly examined and verified beforehand. She pointed out that before the cabinet lineup was submitted for royal endorsement, all proposed appointments were meticulously screened by the Secretariat of the Cabinet and other organizations to ensure they met the necessary criteria [4].

Rumors of a potential cabinet shake-up were swiftly dismissed by the Prime Minister, who asserted, "There shouldn't be a problem because Mr Pirapan must be well aware that he would be put under the microscope and prepared for that before his appointment as a cabinet minister, after what happened to Mr Srettha"[4].

Interestingly, legal experts suggest that Pirapan may be in danger of being disqualified by the Constitutional Court for breaching the constitution by holding more than 70% of shares in four private firms, maintaining executive roles in them - a clear violation of Article 187 of the constitution [1][3]. However, the current status of the investigation remains unclear.

As of now, the NACC is handling the complaint filed by Sonthiya Sawasdee, and the allegations also involve accusations of Pirapan's role in involving Privy Councillor General Prayuth Chan-o-cha in civilian politics - a matter currently part of the NACC complaint [1][3].

Stay tuned as this developing situation unfolds in Thailand's political landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for updates from the NACC's investigation and any potential decisions from the Constitutional Court.

Political activist Sonthiya Sawasdee alleges that Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, despite transferring shares to a managing entity, continues to profiteer from companies that could violate Section 187 of the Thai Constitution, as he allegedly holds more than 70% of shares in four private firms and maintains executive roles in them.
The ongoing investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) also involves accusations that Pirapan involved Privy Councillor General Prayuth Chan-o-cha in civilian politics, a matter of interest in the NACC complaint.
Despite the petition and allegations, Prime Minister Paetongtarn has shown confidence in Pirapan's appointment, asserting that his eligibility was thoroughly examined and verified beforehand, and that he was aware of the potential scrutiny that comes with being a cabinet minister.
Legal experts suggest that Pirapan may be in danger of being disqualified by the Constitutional Court for breaching the constitution, but the current status of the investigation remains unclear, with updates anticipated from the NACC's investigation and any potential decisions from the Constitutional Court.