Bangkok: Thawee Sodsong, the Minister of Justice and leader of the Prachachat Party, has expressed his support for the new cabinet, assuring that he is ready to offer advice and remains untroubled by the ongoing Senate and Khao Kradong collusion cases.
According to Thai News Agency, Thawee plans to utilize parliamentary mechanisms to probe these matters and encourage officials from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to maintain vigilance.
In an interview, Pol. Col. Thawee commented on the emergence of new ministers, emphasizing the necessity for the swift formation of a new cabinet. He refrained from commenting on the current cabinet in its transitional phase, citing uncertainty about the identities of the incoming ministers.
Addressing concerns about ongoing investigations, Thawee showed confidence in the new Prime Minister's ability to appoint an appropriate minister to oversee the Senate collusion and Khao Kradong cases. He underscored the independence of the Ministry of Justice, explaining that all agencies operate under legal frameworks designed to ensure efficiency, fairness, and non-discrimination. Thawee emphasized the importance of immunity from external influence for justice system personnel and stressed adherence to the rule of law.
When questioned about potential retaliation, Thawee expressed no concern, highlighting the current government's four-month tenure and the oversight role of the House of Representatives. As leader of the opposition Prachachat Party, he committed to constructive opposition, particularly through his leadership of the Committee on Law, Justice Process, and Human Rights.
Thawee refrained from sending specific messages to new ministers, trusting the Prime Minister's ability to select qualified individuals. He noted that the justice system's operations are governed by existing laws and that personnel within the Ministry of Justice are already competent and ethical.
Regarding potential transfers of DSI civil servants involved in sensitive cases, Thawee encouraged them to continue their work but chose not to comment further, acknowledging the parliamentary majority held by the opposition. He reiterated the opposition's commitment to supporting the rule of law and closely monitoring the government's performance to prevent delays in pending cases.