Supreme Court rules ex-defence minister’s order to dismiss Abhisit from Army unlawful
The Supreme Court has ruled against a former defence minister’s order to discharge Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva from the Army, Abhisit’s lawyer Bundit Siriphan said on Tuesday.
The Pheu Thai Party’s ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat had signed an order in 2012 to dismiss Abhisit from the Army, but Bundit – citing the court’s ruling – said the order was not lawful.
The court also revoked the order, he added.
Bundit said Abhisit was not serving in the Army or leaving his duty, as he had not been a serving officer since leaving the Army 23 years ago.
The order, with its retroactive effect, was therefore unlawful and deemed to be a violation of Abhisit’s rights, the lawyer stressed, adding that the former prime minister had the right to fight the matter in the courts to protect his rights.
Bundit also pointed out that Abhisit could use the Supreme Court’s ruling to lodge a complaint against Sukumpol with the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
The Democrat will hold a press conference on the matter tomorrow.