FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

PM won’t interfere in new law on crooked politicians

PM won’t interfere in new law on crooked politicians

Despite strong opposition, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) will not oppose the organic law on criminal procedures against political office holders.

The organic law was passed by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) earlier this month. 
Some clauses involved the suspension of the statute of limitations and trials in absentia, which would result in the law being applied to cases that were on hold. 
This sparked a controversy as critics questioned whether the law targeted certain figures, such as fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. A few cases against him have been put on hold due to his absence.
The Pheu Thai Party lodged a petition with Prayut last week urging that the controversial law be reconsidered and submitted to the Constitutional Court for review. 
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, however, said yesterday that the government had no concerns with the organic law and would not petition the Constitutional Court.
“It is not that the PM has to pass everything that everyone lodges with the Constitutional Court,” Wissanu said. “The Constitution only stipulates it is the PM’s decision. Pheu Thai could have questions [about the organic law] but it does not mean the PM does, too.”
The CDC, which was responsible for writing the organic law, would not petition the Constitutional Court on the matter either.
Chief charter drafter Meechai Ruchupan said yesterday the CDC had decided not to propose any amendment on the law. No clauses appeared to be against the intention of the Constitution, he said.
The court, however, expressed concerns over the legality of trials in absentia, allowed in the draft bill. Meechai said that the CDC had already explained the process to the court, which included a three month period before a trial could be conducted in absentia.
Meechai said that the NLA could forward the draft bill to the Cabinet on Friday to seek royal endorsement, the 10th day after the NLA had submitted the bill to the CDC to see whether it would voice any objections.
After the law comes into effect, people could petition the Constitutional Court about its constitutionality, Meechai said, adding that the process would be out of the CDC’s hands. But he insisted the bill did not contravene the Constitution.

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