Bangkok: The Constitutional Court is poised to issue its ruling on the ministerial status of Phumtham Wechayachai and Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, stemming from their alleged involvement in the Senate election collusion case. The court's decision, expected at 3:00 PM, will be attended by representatives from both parties.
According to Thai News Agency, the Constitutional Court's justices convened earlier today to present oral arguments, deliberate, and vote on the petition filed by the Senate President. The petition seeks a ruling on whether the ministerial positions of Mr. Phumtham, a former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Pol. Col. Tawee, a former Minister of Justice, have been terminated in accordance with the Constitution. The allegations against them include using the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to interfere with the Senate election collusion investigation, potentially undermining the Election Commission's authority, following the Special Cases Committee's decision to classify the matter as a special case.
The court accepted the petition for review in March 2025, granting the accused a 15-day period to respond and summoning six witnesses for testimony.
As the court prepares to announce its verdict, which could determine the future eligibility of Mr. Phumtham and Pol. Col. Tawee as ministers, the case has attracted considerable attention. The outcome will hinge on whether the court finds that they breached ethical standards.
Shortly before the announcement, representatives for Mr. Phumtham and Pol. Col. Tawee arrived at the court. Senator Pol. Maj. Gen. Chatrawat Saengphet, who signed the proposal submitted to the Senate President, entered the courtroom with a smile, declining to speak to the media.