Bangkok: "Chusak" has drawn parallels between the current petition against the Prime Minister and a past case involving "Big Tu."
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chusak Sirinil, who serves as the Minister to the Prime Minister's Office and Deputy Leader of the Pheu Thai Party, discussed the Constitutional Court's acceptance of a petition that led to Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra being ordered to halt her duties. This order is in relation to an audio clip of a conversation with Samdech Hun Sen, President of the Senate. Chusak suggested comparing this situation with that of Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, questioning whether Gen. Prayut was able to continue his duties as Minister of Defense in a similar scenario.
When questioned about the differences between the current case involving Ms. Paethongtarn and the earlier case of Gen. Prayut, especially since the former involves ethical considerations, Mr. Chusak insisted that the two cases should still be compared to the past. He mentioned that the Pheu Thai Party has not yet conducted an assessment but emphasized the importance of looking at previous cases in similar contexts.
Mr. Chusak also addressed the procedures that would follow if the Constitutional Court's order results in the Prime Minister being unable to perform her duties. He noted that in such an event, the Deputy Prime Minister, acting as the Prime Minister, must lead the oath-taking process as per the Administrative Procedure Act. He assured that this situation would not impact any cabinet reshuffle activities.