The Ombudsmen decided unanimously today (Tuesday) to ask the Constitutional Court to rule whether Prime Minister’s incomplete recital of the oath during the swearing-in ceremony on July 16th is unconstitutional.
Secretary-general of the Ombudsmen’s Office, Mr. Raksakecha Chaechai, said the Prime Minister’s incomplete recital is a different issue from the swearing-in issue, which was legally and practically completed.
He explained that the issue over the swearing-in concerned the cabinet and HM the King, which is different from the incomplete oath matter, which is a breach of Section 5 (first paragraph) of the Constitution.
The incomplete oath has affected the performance of duties by the Prime Minister and his cabinet and has raised questions about the constitutionality of their acts. It has also raised questions about the rights and liberties of Mr. Panupong Churak, a Ramkhamhaeng University student who initiated the petition, said Raksakecha.
The Ombudsmen’s opinion on the oath issue is to be forwarded to the Constitutional Court today (Tuesday).
Meanwhile, the Ombudsmen dismissed the petition by political activist Srisuwan Janya and Mr. Aiya Petthong, secretary-general of Buddhism for Peace Protection Organization, challenging the Prime Minister’s swearing-in, pointing out that the issue was not a legal matter.
The Ombudsmen also rejected the petition of Seri Ruam Thai party leader Seripisut Temiyavet challenging the legality of the election of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in parliament.
Mr. Raksakecha said the Ombudsmen ruled that the election of General Prayut as Prime Minister was legitimate and Parliament President, Mr. Chuan Leekpai, had followed the law in holding the election in a way which did not breach the rights or liberties of Seripisut.
