National—
At 9:00 AM on May 21st, 2024, Mr. Sutin Klungsang, the Minister of Defense, publicly addressed the case involving 40 Thai senators petitioning to impeach Mr. Pichit Chuenban, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Sutin stated that he was not concerned about the matter, noting that individuals appointed as ministers must possess good qualifications, especially for prominent positions within the Prime Minister’s secretariat. Before candidates are submitted to His Royal Majesty the King for official appointment, they undergo a thorough investigation of their qualifications.
Sutin mentioned that some parties had suggested Pichit should resign to avoid the Constitutional Court having to make a final decision. However, Sutin advised Pichit to remain in his position to prove his suitability.
Pichit, however, resigned from his position later in the morning, saying he wanted to avoid potential conflicts in the government.
Sutin remarked that the Constitutional Court would ultimately decide whether Pichit’s appointment by Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was legitimate.
Thai national media inquired of Srettha if he was concerned that a ruling against Pichit could temporarily suspend him as Prime Minister, Srettha acknowledged his concerns for the government’s matters and the citizens’ well-being.
However, he expressed respect for the judicial process, stating it was his duty to be prepared and present the complete facts. Srettha affirmed that Pichit’s appointment was legal and recommended by the Council of State.
According to Thai national media, Pichit asserted that his appointment was based on his abilities, not prerogative, regardless of his resignation.
It is not yet clear if the resignation of Pichit will keep Srettha away from possible legal action as the issue was the legality of the actual appointment and not whether or not Pichit stayed in office.
