Bangkok: Pheu Thai MPs have taken legal action by submitting a petition to the court concerning the appointment of new Constitutional Court judges. This move aims to impede the House from voting on Prime Minister Worawut and to urge Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor Matha to provide clarity on the matter, although he has declined to interfere.
According to Thai News Agency, during a House of Representatives meeting chaired by Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, the urgent motion number 8 was discussed, focusing on approving the appointment of the Speaker of the House as per Section 159 of the Constitution. Mr. Thirachai Saenkaew, a Pheu Thai Party MP from Udon Thani, highlighted the submission of the case by 20 Pheu Thai MPs to the Constitutional Court. The case challenges the performance of Constitutional Court judges, particularly concerning the removal of Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra from the Prime Minister's position following the royal appointment of a new judge. Mr. Thirachai expressed disagreement with proceeding with the prime ministerial vote, suggesting that the court should await the case's conclusion to prevent constitutional issues.
Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor Matha clarified his role upon receiving the petition, emphasizing the separation of duties among the judiciary, executive, and legislative branches. He stated that the Royal Gazette issued on September 2nd addressed the same issue and that the meeting's agenda did not conflict with any party's responsibilities. He also mentioned the executive branch's potential dissolution of parliament and its implications for legislative procedures.
Pheu Thai MP Worawut Euapinyakul from Phrae raised concerns about the new royal approval on September 2nd, seeking an explanation. Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor explained that it pertained to the Constitutional Court judges' appointment, and he would not interfere. Following the royal approval, the Senate President forwarded the letter to the court. However, 20 MPs submitted a petition, despite the Royal Gazette's announcement on September 2nd, which cited the royal approval date as August 30th, rendering the court's consideration valid.
Mr. Worawut questioned the announcement date, asking if it was August 29 or 30. Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor clarified that he initially found no issue with the announcement. Still, a petition from Mr. Wisut Chainarun, a Pheu Thai Party list MP, prompted action on the August 29 announcement. On September 2, the Royal Gazette published the appointment, with August 30 as a separate matter beyond his jurisdiction. He explained that he acted according to the MP's request when the matter was brought to him.
Mr. Worawut persisted in questioning the accuracy of the August 29 date. The Speaker of the House emphasized his inability to answer, suggesting the need to consider both the August 29th and September 2nd Royal Gazette announcements. He urged further discussion to understand the origins of the Royal Gazette.