Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin appears to be in hot water over comments he made concerning requests for favors in the police reshuffle during a meeting of Pheu Thai MPs and party executives on Tuesday.
At the meeting, the prime minister stated his belief that some individuals in the room might be disappointed as their requests for ‘special favors’ for the position of police superintendent were denied, attributing it to the overwhelming number of requests. He also noted that others in the room were satisfied as their requests had been fulfilled.
Serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya said today that he will submit a petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) tomorrow seeking an investigation into whether the prime minister’s remark amounts to a violation of political ethical standards, in accordance with the Constitution.
Meanwhile, Thai Liberal party leader Sereepisuth Temeeyaves said the prime minister might not have read the Constitution thoroughly, particularly Section 186 which prohibits any minister from using his or her status, directly or indirectly, to interfere in the performance of the duties of state officials for his or her benefit or in the interests of other people.
Sereepisuth said that the prime minister should step down.
Meanwhile, Move Forward party-list MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn said today that he will submit an interpellation to the House, when it is reconvened, to demand that the prime minister disclose the names of Pheu Thai MPs or ministers who sought “special favours” for promotions to superintendents and how many superintendents are involved.
He admitted that it is extremely difficult for any police officer to get promoted to the rank of superintendent purely on merit or performance. They must also agree to pay a sizeable amount of money to politicians for help.
