National—
On May 21st, 2024, Mr. Pichit Chuenban, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, publicly addressed his recent resignation amid political controversy.
Previously, Mr. Sutin Klungsang, the Minister of Defense, discussed the case involving 40 Thai senators petitioning to impeach Pichit. Sutin had advised Pichit to remain in his position to prove his suitability, but Pichit ultimately decided to step down.
Pichit asserted that his appointment as minister was conducted legitimately according to Thai law. He emphasized that he had no disqualifying characteristics and had been thoroughly vetted. He stated that he harbored no personal grudge against the 40 senators who sought his impeachment.
In a public statement to Thai national media following his resignation, Pichit expressed that he was neither under pressure nor worried.
He had been officially appointed as minister on April 28th, 2024, and had taken the oath of allegiance on May 3rd.
Reacting to Pichit’s resignation, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, speaking during an official visit to Italy, praised Pichit’s decision as being in the best interest of the country. Srettha noted that the nation was grappling with political issues and an economic downturn, with GDP reported at 1.5% by the National Economic and Social Development Council.
Srettha commended Pichit for not pressuring the Constitutional Court and stated that he would personally call Pichit to offer encouragement after concluding his current overseas mission in Italy.
