Ex-premier says people know what legislators ’ intentions are, but he won’t get punishment
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the de facto leader of the decision Pheu Thai Party, monday dropped a hint that he knows who is behind the constitutional walk led by 40 caregiver legislators that may charge Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin his work.
“ In most cases, when there is a [political ] movement in Thailand, it is easy to tell who is leading such moves and what their motives are, ” the paroled ex-premier said during a visit to Nakhon Ratchasima, his first in 17 years.
The Constitutional Court on Thursday agreed to hear a complaint submitted by the lawmakers seeking to replace Mr Srettha from his publish over the nomination of Pichit Chuenban as a PM’s Office secretary.
Pichit’s doubtful background is seen by the lawmakers as a violation of the rules in the law governing ministers ’ ethics. He resigned on Tuesday despite insisting he was ready for the interview.
“Since questions have been raised, it ’s the PM’s duty to answer them, ” said Thaksin. “And no matter who was behind this move, he is definitely reveal it all since he has done nothing wrong. ”
Responding in specific to an assessment made by some experts that Thaskin may seek revenge against the 40 legislators, he said:“ Oh, what right I have to do that? I’m then just an old person who is giving guidance to his younger colleagues. ”
And when asked about remarks by some commentators that the real target of the senators was n’t Mr Srettha but Thaksin himself, the 74-year-old ex-PM said: “ Targeting me? No, I now have little left [that could be exploited as a purpose to attack me]. I’m old today. Keep me only. ”
He said he wants Mr Srettha to serve as excellent minister for as long as possible because Mr Srettha is working on a quest that may take a long time to complete.
Thaksin was non-committal when asked when his daughter Paetongtarn, who was put forth as one of two primary governmental individuals in the 2023 election, might remove Mr Srettha in case he ends up being removed from his post.
Ms Paetongtarn, now the head of Pheu Thai, said this week that she was hardly prepared to become prime minister and wanted to see Mr Srettha continue in the work.
Taking over the management of the land from the military-installed program three years after the Covid-19 epidemic has taken a big burden on Thailand’s business and is no easy process, Thaksin said.
Senator Direkrit Janekrongtham, who admitted to being one of the 40 lawmakers behind the complaint, insisted the party was motivated by nothing more than a desire to protect the rule of law and act against any violations of the law.
“We have no intention to act against anyone or behave badly anyone or any group in particular, ” said the lawmaker. “ What we are trying to do is to protect the public attention as stated in the law. ”
Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, president of the Palang Pracharath Party, however, denied any involvement in the 40 lawmakers ’ proceed against Mr Srettha, saying that although some of them are his friends or close partners, they have their own stance on the matter.
A close associate of former prime minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is now a part of the Privy Council, also dismissed speculation that Gen Prayut had something to do with the lawmakers ’ walk, even though some of them are former colleagues from the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School.
Just over 100 of the 250 cheerful legislators are serving or retired military and police officials and all of them were appointed by Gen Prayut and Gen Prawit.
Thaksin even said he had talked to Mr Srettha and told him to call a conference of financial officials as soon as he returns to Thailand from his international trips. The meeting will take place on Monday.
Officials are expected to discuss economic trigger actions that might be needed after first-quarter data showed the economy has grown by just 1. 5 %, less than expected.
Thaksin likewise confirmed previous studies that he had been involved in discussions about the issue in Myanmar. He insisted the talks dealt largely with Thailand’s problems over the frontier position and steps to take care of Myanmar citizens living in the country.