Caretaker Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai admitted today that the Office of the Privy Council had returned the government’s draft Royal decree, seeking the King’s consent for House dissolution.
In his Facebook post, Phumtham explained that the draft decree, which was submitted to the Office of the Privy Council on Tuesday, has been returned to the government, citing unresolved legal issues, particularly regarding the power of a caretaker prime minister to propose a House dissolution.
He said he accepts the procedure and legal principles and agreed to review the draft decree, but reiterated the government’s determination to “return the power to the people” as soon as possible.
Phumtham also said the party will nominate Chaikasem Nitisiri to compete against Anutin Charnvirakul in the House’s vote for the new prime minister and promised that the party will dissolve the House immediately after the delivery of its policy statement to parliament, if its candidate is chosen as prime minister.
Meanwhile, Bhumjaithai Party Leader Anutin Charnvirakul said he is confident that the People’s party will not break their agreement by supporting Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidate.
Anutin also said that he had been informed by Suphachai Jaisamut, the party’s chief legal advisor, that the party’s MPs have withdrawn the complaint filed with the police yesterday, accusing Phumtham of malfeasance in office over the submission of the now rejected House dissolution decree.
He also said that the party will not interfere with the police and the Department of Special Investigation over their investigations into the Khao Kradueng land scandal in Buri Ram province and the Senate election collusion case.
