In an unexpected twist, political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has called on the Election Commission (EC) for an in-depth investigation into Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s ethical conduct revolving around her rather contentious appointment of Somsak Thepsutin as Public Health Minister and Pol Col Tawee Sodsong as Justice Minister. According to Ruangkrai, these appointments might not be as innocent as they appear on the surface.
In his fervent petition to the EC, Mr. Ruangkrai has claimed that the Prime Minister’s choices might just be in violation of Section 160 of the Constitution or Article 8 of the ethical standards. It’s a serious allegation that, if proven, could not only end the ministerial positions of all three individuals but also shake the very foundation of the current administration under Sections 170 and 160.
Ruangkrai’s claims aren’t baseless. He references a pivotal report from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) dated July 30, pinpointing concerns about the special treatment allegedly granted to none other than Thaksin Shinawatra during his stay at the Police General Hospital. Such preferential treatment for a former prime minister surely raises many eyebrows.
The NHRC report is particularly revealing, flagging some murky regulations around the transfer of inmates requiring medical treatment. These rules, according to the report, allow inmates to stay out of prison without undergoing the usual stringent checks. It seems unending that the saga of Thaksin’s detention is stirring up waves once again.
What’s fascinating, or perhaps alarming, is the assertion that the regulation in question was issued on September 25, 2020, and, wait for it, it was signed by none other than Somsak—the Justice Minister at that time. And the plot thickens. This regulation, with the blessings of a corrections committee, paved the way for potential misuse of power. Prison authorities needed just an approval from the director-general of corrections, who in turn had to inform the Justice Minister or the ministry’s permanent secretary. A setup almost too tempting for loopholes.
This intricate web of regulations enabled Thaksin to extend his stay outside the prison for medical treatment beyond the original 120 days—from December 22 to February 18—causing a flurry of accusations and heated debates. Such actions have set tongues wagging and fingers pointing at justice ministers who seemingly let this happen under their watch.
Mr. Ruangkrai isn’t mincing his words. He firmly believes that the buck stops with Mr. Somsak and Pol Col Tawee, with the latter being the Justice Minister during Thaksin’s controversial detainment. These men, despite the swirling scandals, were brought back to the ministerial fold by Paetongtarn—a move that, according to Ruangkrai, is a blatant disregard of NHRC’s cautionary findings.
With passions running high and political swords drawn, Mr. Ruangkrai has urged the EC to propel this case towards the Constitutional Court for a thorough review under Section 170. This isn’t his first rodeo; Ruangkrai has previously filed several cases against the Prime Minister concerning alleged ethical breaches, including her less-than-graceful resignation from private companies before stepping into public office.
The drama continues to unfold in the complex and often bewildering arena of Thai politics. One thing’s certain: Ruangkrai’s dogged determination is putting a spotlight on an administration teetering on the edge of controversy and intrigue. Will the EC take the bait and dig deeper into the ethical quagmire? The nation watches with bated breath.
I can’t believe Paetongtarn Shinawatra would risk her reputation with such questionable appointments!
It’s not about reputation for her. It’s about power and maintaining control.
But isn’t control part of politics? All politicians do what’s necessary to maintain their influence.
Maybe, but there’s a thin line between maintaining influence and outright corruption.
Totally agree! She should be held accountable for these appointments.
Exactly my point. If Ruangkrai’s claims are true, this could undermine the trust in the whole administration.
Accountability seems like a foreign concept in our politics. It’s all just smoke and mirrors.
This is just another political witch hunt. Nothing will come out of it.
I don’t know about that. The NHRC report seems pretty damning.
Reports don’t mean much if no one acts on them. This will just be another forgotten scandal.
Even if it’s a witch hunt, it’s based on suspicious activities. People should be aware.
Ruangkrai is just looking for attention. This investigation won’t lead anywhere.
What if Ruangkrai’s claims are true? Shouldn’t we at least investigate?
Investigate, sure. But don’t hold your breath. The political establishment protects its own.
It’s a never-ending cycle. The powerful always find a way out.
Sad but true. Still, doing nothing is not an option.
When will Thailand finally have transparent and fair politics?
Not in our lifetime, I’m afraid.
Putting Ruangkrai aside, the question is whether Paetongtarn knowingly violated ethical standards.
If she did, it’s a serious issue and should be addressed accordingly.
We need more transparency in the investigation process to establish the truth.
It’s suspicious how Thaksin got such preferential treatment. There must be something fishy going on.
Preferential treatment? Sounds like a classic case of corruption to me.
Exactly. And why isn’t there more of an outcry about this?
I think Paetongtarn is playing a dangerous game. These appointments could backfire on her.
This scenario is getting curiouser and curiouser. So many layers to uncover.
Every political drama has its layers. The question is, who will emerge unscathed?
The appointment of Somsak is controversial, but it doesn’t necessarily imply unethical conduct.
If there’s sufficient evidence, the Constitutional Court should take action without delay.
I wonder if Ruangkrai has any hidden motives. Is this really about justice?
There’s always more than meets the eye in politics. Everyone has their agenda.
True. But we can at least hope that this time, it’s for the greater good.
The whole political system needs an overhaul. This is just one symptom of a corrupted system.
Ruangkrai might be exaggerating, but why hasn’t anyone else noticed these issues?
People notice, but they’re either too afraid to speak up or just tired of the constant political chaos.
I doubt the EC will take this seriously. Too many intertwined interests.
If Paetongtarn is truly unethical, she should step down. Trust is paramount in leadership.
And yet, trust seems to be the first casualty in politics.
There’s no smoke without fire. Let’s see if the EC does its job.
Thailand’s politics are like a soap opera—full of twists and unexpected turns.