PUBLISHED: 8 May 2025 at 18: 06
After courtroom president Nakharin Mektrairat and justice Punya Udchachon’s seven-year terms were completed, a selection committee chose nominees to complete two open seats on the Constitutional Court.
The commission, which is led by Supreme Court President Chanakarn Theeravechpolkul, on Thursday announced the selection of Pol Capt Sutham Cheurprakobkit, 62, a teacher of public administration at Mahidol University, and Sarawut Songsivilai, 60, a former director-general of the Department of Rail Transport and the Department of Highways.
Seven candidates were vying for the two jobs. Chaiyan Chaiyaporn, a political science professor at Chulalongkorn University, who was one of the prominent candidates, won the 2006 election in opposition of the unjust dissolution of parliament by then-prime secretary Thaksin Shinawatra.
Prof. Chaiyan maintained that he was entirely eligible to serve, citing the reinstatement of his political right in 2019, despite a previous suspended jail sentence and a five-year restrictions from political activity.
He referred to his broad social science and public management expertise as well as his unwavering non-partisan support and extensive teaching and research of constitutional monarchies.
A Senate committee will then conduct background and social checks on the two nominees who win. Their brands may be submitted to the Senate for ultimate approval if approved.
In a senators ‘ closed-door meeting in March, the selection committee’s two preceding individuals failed to receive a majority of the votes. There was no justification.