Court to decide if Varathep is qualified for Cabinet post
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The Constitution Court agreed yesterday to rule on a complaint that PM's Office Minister Varathep Ratanakorn should be disqualified from office because he was convicted of offences related to the two- and three-digit lottery.
Constitution Court spokesman Pimol Thammapitakpong said the court decided the Varathep disqualification complaint filed by 24 Senators came under its jurisdiction, and that the complainants were qualified and had the right to lodge such a complaint.
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders sentenced Varathep to two years in prison but the term was suspended.
The Constitution Court will this week issue a letter to Varathep asking him to submit a defence testimony within 15 days.
Pimol said the court would also decide on three complaints filed by former senator Ruangkrai Leekijwattana, Pheu Thai Party member Singthong Buachum and lawyer Nungdin Wimuttinant asking it to order General Boonlert Kaewprasit, head of the Pitak Siam group, to call off the group’s planned rally on Saturday at the Royal Plaza.
