Ministers targeted over press freedom
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The Democrats are accusing Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnara-nubala and PM's Office Minister Kritsana Seehalak of meddling in the freedom of press.
In addition, PM Yingluck Shinawatra and Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul have been put on the shortlist for impeachment should they refuse to cancel former PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s passport within a week.
In a motion sponsored by 145 Democrats and filed yesterday, Thirachai and Kritsana are accused of violating constitutional provisions on the freedom of the press by interfering with board appointments for MCOT, a listed media outlet in which the Finance Ministry holds a majority stake.
Kritsana, in her capacity as minister in charge of state-run media, and Thirachai, who oversees his ministry’s equity stakes, made concerted efforts to push out the board, the motion said, adding that MCOT board chairman Surapon Nitikraipot had stepped down under suspicious circumstances.
Upon acknowledging the impeachment motion, Senate Speaker Teeradej Meepien said he would verify the motion by January 28 before forwarding it to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for an inquiry. Should the NACC find cause to suspect foul play, the Senate will then convene an impeachment trial.
Meanwhile, Democrat MP Wiratana Kalayasiri said he wanted Yingluck and Surapong to recall Thaksin’s passport within a week, otherwise they would have to face the consequences.
He added that Yingluck could not turn a blind eye to the legal problems faced by Thaksin.
