PUBLISHED: 9 Oct 2024 at 06: 26
Since both of her jailed predecessors have served time in prison, political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwana is attempting to overthrow Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by filing a petition with the Election Commission (EC ) to find out if she violated ethical standards when she appointed Surapong Suebwonglee and Nattawut Saikua as advisers.
Surapong, a former finance minister, and Nattawut, a former chairman of the Pheu Thai home, were originally sentenced by the Supreme Court. The top appointed them as her experts on Sept 16 and Oct 4, both.
Mr. Ruangkrai referred to the Constitutional Court’s ruling on August 14 regarding former prime minister Srettha Thavisin’s inaction and failing to meet the requirements set forth in Section 160 of the Constitution. The judge credited Pichit Chuenban, an ex-convict who had been implicated in bribery, with becoming a government minister after his appointment.
Mr. Ruangkrai suggested that this decision could lead to the cancellation of Ms. Paetongtarn’s appointment of Surapong and Nattawut in accordance with Parts 170 and 160. According to Section 82, Mr. Ruangkrai demanded that the Constitutional Court get the top to be suspended until a final decision is made if the EC discovers any grounds for the complaint.
According to media publications, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders sentenced Surapong to a one-year prison word for holding a stake in Thaicom in 2016. Additionally, the judge gave him a one-year suspended sentence for a second misconduct case from 2008.
Potrivit to an order dated September 16, Surapong was appointed deputy chairman of the screen of government advisers.
Former United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship co-leader Nattawut was given a two-year, eight-month prison sentence in 2020 for organizing a violent demonstration outside the home of soon Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda’s residence in 2007.
On October 4, he was added to the assistant section.
Surapong Suebwonglee
Nattawut Saikua