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Senate Dismisses Probe into Judge Udom Sittiwirattham’s Controversial Remarks

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The Senate was abuzz on Monday as a motion calling for an investigation into a Constitutional Court judge’s remarks was humorously yet contentiously dismissed. Senator Nanthana Nanthawarophas had earlier raised the motion, demanding a probe into Constitutional Court Judge Udom Sittiwirattham’s comments about the now-obsolete Move Forward Party (MFP) and its reborn version, the People’s Party (PP).

During a seminar last week, the judge had wryly remarked that dissolving the MFP might not be entirely negative, pointing to the impressive fundraising efforts of its successor, the PP, which shockingly amassed millions of baht within just a few days. This comment, while half-joking, was enough to ignite a political firestorm.

Sen Nanthana argued that Judge Udom’s comments were not just jest; they were a sign of disrespect and impropriety. She insisted that the judge’s behavior was unbecoming and warranted an ethical investigation. Thus, she called upon her colleagues in the Senate to treat the motion with urgency and press the Constitutional Court to investigate one of their own.

As the debate unfolded at Monday’s Senate meeting, the chamber split into two camps. The majority of senators found the motion less than pressing. They urged Nanthana to direct her concerns to a suitable independent agency, such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission, instead of the Senate.

However, a faction showing solidarity with Sen Nanthana’s stance argued vehemently for the motion’s adoption, emphasizing the need for accountability within the judiciary. The engagement was intense, reflecting the passionate perspectives on both sides of the aisle.

The contention reached a crescendo, prompting a vote. When the dust settled, the motion to probe Judge Udom was dismissed by a considerable margin, with 117 votes against and 37 in favor. The clash of opinions and the decisive vote underscored the political theater that’s always at play within the Senate halls.

29 Comments

  1. Paul1990 September 2, 2024

    The Senate protecting their own again, typical! This is just another example of the lack of accountability in our political system.

    • Maya September 2, 2024

      I sort of agree. But isn’t the judge’s comment being blown out of proportion? Sometimes humor is just that—humor.

      • Sam96 September 2, 2024

        Humor in politics? That’s a dangerous territory. Leaders should always be mindful of their public statements.

        • Paul1990 September 2, 2024

          Exactly, Sam. When you hold a position of power, your words carry weight. A ‘joke’ can have serious consequences.

    • academic_mind September 2, 2024

      That’s a simplistic view, Paul. The judiciary needs to be evaluated on actions over words. If this judge hasn’t shown a pattern of misconduct, an investigation is overkill.

  2. Justice4All September 2, 2024

    Of course they dismissed it. Corruption is so deeply rooted nobody wants to clean it up.

    • AnalystJane September 2, 2024

      That’s a bit of a conspiracy theory, don’t you think? Sometimes a non-issue is just that—a non-issue.

      • Marvin L September 2, 2024

        Jane, you’re part of the problem, excusing their behavior. Corruption thrives on apathy and indifference.

    • Sophia September 2, 2024

      True, but this dismissal might just be legislative efficiency. Not every offhand comment needs a full-blown investigation.

  3. Larry Davis September 2, 2024

    117 against 37. Shows how little support there was for Nanthana’s motion. Maybe her arguments were weak?

    • Tania September 2, 2024

      Weak or not, transparency in the judiciary is crucial. The numbers don’t necessarily reflect the validity of the issue.

      • Larry Davis September 2, 2024

        I get that, Tania, but the issue needs to be substantive to warrant reaction. Otherwise, it’s just noise.

        • Tania September 2, 2024

          Agreed, but defining ‘substantive’ is where the conflict lies. For some, disrespect from a judge is serious.

  4. Chris September 2, 2024

    Why does it always seem like politicians are more concerned with making noise than making progress?

    • Gene H September 2, 2024

      Because making noise is what gets votes and attention. Actual progress is slow and often unnoticed.

  5. Ananya September 2, 2024

    Dismissing the motion was the right call. Resources are limited, and we can’t waste them on every perceived slight.

  6. DemocracyFan September 2, 2024

    Shows how much faith people have in our system. This kind of dismissal just erodes trust in democratic processes.

  7. Rita September 2, 2024

    Judge Udom probably should have chosen his words more carefully, but I don’t think an entire investigation is warranted.

    • ConsiderateTom September 2, 2024

      I agree, Rita. We should hold officials to high standards, but this seems like a storm in a teacup.

  8. Nick September 2, 2024

    The Move Forward Party’s rebirth as the People’s Party is a financial powerhouse. Maybe Udom had a point?

  9. Patricia Y September 2, 2024

    Always interesting to see how divide the Senate can be. 117 vs 37 says a lot about priorities.

  10. Sam P. September 2, 2024

    I think the Senate acted responsibly. There’s a difference between disrespect and actual misconduct.

  11. growth_seeker September 2, 2024

    It’s funny how people think a simple comment can hold so much power. Focus on real issues, please.

  12. Larry D September 2, 2024

    Nanthana is right. The judiciary must maintain a higher level of decorum. Period.

    • open_eyes September 2, 2024

      Isn’t it pointless though? As long as there are no actionable complaints against Udom, it’s all a red herring.

    • Larry D September 2, 2024

      Open_Eyes, the integrity of the judiciary is important. A verbal lapse today could be a bigger issue tomorrow.

  13. historian78 September 2, 2024

    History will judge whether dismissing this motion was wise. Tensions often arise from underestimated problems.

  14. Rami September 2, 2024

    117 senators against Nanthana’s motion shows that political unity is more common than we think.

  15. big_politix September 2, 2024

    Political theater as usual. They know how to put on a show but barely address the real issues.

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