Bangkok: "Chusak" reiterated that "Paethongtarn" can attend the royal audience to take the oath of allegiance, despite confusion surrounding calls for her to stop performing duties. Mr. Chusak Sirinil, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, addressed concerns raised by Dr. Tul Sitthisomwong, a political activist, who petitioned the President of the Senate to involve the Constitutional Court in the removal of Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra from her role as Minister of Culture. This follows the Constitutional Court's order for her to halt her duties as Prime Minister pending a decision on a conversation with Samdech Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate. Mr. Chusak questioned the basis of the complaint, considering Ms. Paethongtarn has not commenced her role yet.
According to Thai News Agency, the controversy stems from the Constitutional Court's directive for Ms. Paethongtarn to cease her Prime Ministerial duties, while she was granted royal approval to serve as Minister of Culture. Critics argue that she cannot be sworn in before the King. Mr. Chusak, however, believes the Court's order pertains solely to her Prime Ministerial role, emphasizing that no decision has been finalized. The Court has only accepted the petition, giving Ms. Paethongtarn 15 days to respond, which might involve witness testimonies before a decision is reached in 1-2 months. Until a verdict is rendered, Ms. Paethongtarn remains innocent and not in violation of ethics, thus eligible to attend the oath ceremony.
Mr. Chusak further questioned the motives behind the new petition, noting that the original complaint alleges ethical violations, yet Ms. Paethongtarn has not engaged in any misconduct while holding the Minister of Culture position. Meanwhile, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, will lead the cabinet in the oath ceremony as acting Prime Minister, with no anticipated issues concerning Ms. Paethongtarn's participation.
Regarding the acting Prime Minister position, Mr. Chusak explained that Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai was initially eligible but received royal approval to vacate his roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. As he has not taken the oath of office, he cannot fulfill these duties yet. Following the oath ceremony, a special cabinet meeting will propose Mr. Phumtham's appointment as acting Prime Minister.