PM probe urged over cabinet pick

In response to her appointment of Phumtham Wechayachai to the cupboard amid historic allegations of subversive behavior, just sworn-in Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is being called upon to step down.

Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a frequent applicant, sent a letter to the Election Commission yesterday requesting that Ms. Paetongtarn be removed as leading in exchange for Mr. Phumtham’s nomination as deputy prime minister and defense minister.

Mr. Phumtham, a member of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, which Ms. Paetongtarn leads, was involved in history deeds that might be interpreted as opposing the constitutional monarchy, according to Mr. Ruangkrai, who said it is well known.

According to the petitioner, Mr. Phumtham was referring to a student organization that joined the Communist Party of Thailand ( CPT ) and participated in anti-government activities following the massacre of students and protesters at Thammasat University on October 6, 1976.

He claimed that Mr. Phumtham’s involvement in the CPT does have weakened or weakened the nation’s system of government.

By naming a government minister with tarnished backgrounds, Ms. Paetongtarn could be held to have acted dishonestly and infringed on the code of ethics for those holding public office, which are grounds for her ejection as prime minister under Section 170 of the contract.

Mr Ruangkrai drew a opposite with the Constitutional Court’s decision to reduce Srettha Thavisin, Ms Paetongtarn’s father, of his jobs over his nomination of ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as PM’s department secretary.

Since he used to rebel against the government and the military on account of his involvement in socialism, critics have viewed his appointment as doubtful and perhaps even unlawful.

In response, Mr Phumtham, who was called” Big Comrade” during his time with the CPT, said he, like many other students at the time, had fled into the jungle to escape the violence that had become prevalent in the region.

According to Mr. Ruangkrai, a prime minister has the right to choose government ministers despite having the option to do so at any time.