Swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed ministers and a minister revoked temporarily as prime minister.
In an unprecedented turn of events in Thai politics, the legality of suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra holding a ministerial post has become a subject of debate and controversy.
The Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn from her duties as Prime Minister earlier this week, following an ethics investigation related to a leaked phone call with Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen. The court's decision was in response to a petition from 36 senators alleging ethical breaches.
The senators claim that Paetongtarn's actions, including referring to Hun Sen as "uncle" and criticizing a top Thai military commander, seriously breached ethical standards. This case is yet to be resolved, and the court's final ruling is awaited.
Despite the ongoing ethics case, Paetongtarn nominated herself for the position of Minister of Culture. Most legal experts argue that her suspension should prevent her from holding any ministerial position until the court reaches a verdict.
The Senate has questioned the legality of Paetongtarn taking the oath of office for the culture minister post while her case remains unresolved. Senators are prepared to petition the Constitutional Court if she proceeds with the oath.
The 14 ministers named to new positions in a recent cabinet reshuffle, including Culture Minister Paetongtarn, gathered at Government House for Covid-19 tests and photo sessions for new ministers' ID cards before the swearing-in. The swearing-in ceremony took place in the presence of Their Majesties the King and Queen.
Deputy PM Suriya Jungrungreangkit was the acting prime minister after Paetongtarn was suspended by the Constitutional Court on Tuesday. Phumtham Wechayachai became the third person to occupy the prime minister's seat this week.
Paetongtarn announced that she would enter the Culture Ministry at 9am on Friday. Some senators argue that Paetongtarn is not eligible to hold any ministerial posts while suspended.
The senators' petition against Paetongtarn concerns Sections 82 and 170 of the constitution, which allow senators to ask the court to suspend and end the tenure of members of parliament. Section 82 can be applied for the termination of ministers' terms under Section 170.
Some senators have been pressing for an urgent legal interpretation from the charter court regarding Paetongtarn's eligibility. The special cabinet meeting following the swearing-in lasted about half an hour and was to clarify the allocation of responsibilities among deputy prime ministers.
The newly appointed ministers were advised by the King to work with knowledge, ability, and honesty for national prosperity and security. Some senators have suggested that acting PM Suriya could be held responsible for appointing Paetongtarn during the swearing-in.
As the legal battle unfolds, the matter could set a significant precedent for future constitutional and ethical questions regarding ministerial appointments in Thailand. The public is closely watching the developments, hoping for a resolution that upholds the integrity of the country's political system.
The ongoing debate centers around the eligibility of suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to hold a ministerial post, as she has nominated herself for the Minister of Culture position. This discussion is rooted in Sections 82 and 170 of the constitution, which some senators are urging the Constitutional Court to interpret urgently concerning her eligibility.
The Senate has raised concerns about Paetongtarn taking the oath of office for the culture minister post while her case remains unresolved, potentially leading to another petition if she proceeds with the ceremony. The interpretation of policy-and-legislation and its application in the politics of Thailand will likely play a significant role in resolving this general-news issue.
