Senators seek ruling on emergency decree
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Some senators will seek a ruling from the Constitutional Court over if the caretaker Cabinet had violated the charter by imposing a state of emergency on Bangkok, which allegedly interfered in the authority of the Election Commission.
Senator Paiboon Nititawan said yesterday the court would be asked to see if the Cabinet had violated Articles 268 and 182 (7) by implementing the emergency decree on January 21.
The group of 33 senators said the Cabinet had also put officials in charge of resolving emergency situations even though the Royal Decree to hold general elections was in effect at that period.
Decree ‘aimed to interfere’
Paiboon said the implementation of the emergency law could be seen as a move to interfere with the EC’s authority and favour certain groups such as Pheu Thai MPs, which was in violation of Articles 268 and 266 (1).
Acting Senate Speaker Surachai Liengboonlertchai refused to comment on Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha’s imposition of martial law, saying he would go ahead with his mission of seeking a peaceful solution for the country.
Surachai also called on politicians to make sacrifices for the sake of the country, adding that he would not approach Prayuth, since the Senate is not one of the parties in conflict.
Meanwhile, another group of 15 senators, calling themselves neutral, issued a statement in support of the imposition of martial law to resolve the country’s crisis and prevent riots and civil strife.
The Senators include Pol General Jongrak Chuthanont, Kobkul Puncharoen Worakul, Pol Lt-General Yuthana Thaipakdee and those representing Khon Kaen, Lamphun and Angthong.
