Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed today that he consulted former Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam regarding the Constitutional Court case, in which 40 senators are seeking to strip him of his ministerial status.
Srettha said that the discussion took place at Wissanu’s residence on May 26th, but declined to reveal any more details, stating that the case is ongoing.
On May 23rd, the Constitutional Court agreed to consider a petition by 40 senators, in which they accuse Srettha of violating §170 (4) and (5) of the Constitution.
The petition claims that the prime minister violated the Constitution by appointing Phichit Chuenban, a former convict, to a ministerial post.
Phichit has since resigned.
The PM has 15 days to submit his written rebuttal to the court.
Meanwhile, among the 40 senators who co-signed the petition, 21 voted to support Srettha’s candidacy for the premiership, during the joint parliamentary sitting of MPs and senators in August last year.
They included Kwanchart Wongsupranan, Jirachai Moontongroy, Chaweerat Kasetsoontorn and Chusak Meksuwan.
Five of the co-signees voted against Srettha’s premiership, namely Chadej Insawang, Thawil Pliensri, Somchai Sawangkarn, Prapanth Koonmee and Pajun Tamprateep.
In response to the results of a recent survey, conducted by King Prajadhipok’s Institute, which show that the Pheu Thai party’s popularity is lagging behind that of the Move Forward Party, Srettha said that he will try to put in more effort.
