Srettha faces impeachment push over police nepotism allegation
A political activist says he will lodge a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission alleging that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has interfered in police promotions.
Srisuwan Janya said he will file a bid to impeach Srettha on Friday, accusing the PM of serious ethical breaches in violation of articles 185 and 186 of the Constitution.
Srisuwan quoted the following comment reportedly made by Srettha during a meeting of Pheu Thai MPs on Tuesday:
“Regarding new police station chiefs, I’m confident there will be more heartbroken ones than happy ones in this room regarding the posts requested. I feel there were many requests. Anyway, several got their wishes fulfilled but they are new station chiefs. We must talk and get a true understanding of this and must eradicate this problem. This is another important issue.”
The police force has been dogged by suspicion of corruption and interference in promotions for years.
Article 185 bans MPs and senators from abusing their authority in “the recruitment, appointment, reshuffle, transfer, promotion, salary increase, or removal from office of a government official”. Article 186 says Article 185 applies to Cabinet members.
Srisuwan vowed to file the complaint with the NACC at 10am on Friday.
Srettha’s remark prompted calls for him to resign from Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, former national police chief and Seri Ruam Thai Party leader, and Move Forward MP Rangsiman Rome.
Former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn agreed with Srisuwan’s interpretation of the law and said the remark could lead to Srettha’s impeachment.
Somchai noted that the NACC is empowered to investigate any political officeholder suspected of abusing their authority in violation of the charter.
If the NACC finds the charges have merit, it can file a lawsuit with the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office to seek impeachment and a 10-year or lifetime ban from politics, Somchai added.
