Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob has been ordered by the Constitutional Court to cease performing his duty, effective today (Friday), after the court accepted a complaint from 54 opposition MPs, alleging that the minister is the owner of Buri Charoen Construction Limited Partnership.

According to Section 187 of the Constitution, a minister cannot hold a stake in or be involved in the management of a business. Violation of the provision will result to the loss of the ministerial post, as stipulated in Section 170 of the charter.

Saksayam has the right to defend himself before the court within 15 days of receiving the court order to cease work.

After being informed of the court’s order, Saksayam told the media that Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, will take his place at the ministry, pending the court’s decision on his ministerial status, adding that he will defend himself as scheduled.

Saksayam also cancelled his scheduled inspection trips to Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri provinces this afternoon.