Bangkok: Pheu Thai Party is gearing up to file a complaint with the Constitutional Court regarding the delay in appointing new judges. Chusak Sirinil, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that Pheu Thai MPs are preparing to question this delay, emphasizing that he hopes the former judge will handle the audio clip case. However, he denied any intention to invalidate the case.
According to Thai News Agency, Chusak addressed concerns about the performance of Constitutional Court judges whose terms have expired but continue to serve in the trial of former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. He mentioned that a document was released on September 1st, though the final outcome remains unknown. He noted that Wisut Chainarun, a party-list MP for the Pheu Thai Party, had signed a petition to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. This petition sought the Constitutional Court's interpretation of the constitutionality of the ruling, citing two main reasons.
First, Chusak highlighted that as soon as the royal command was issued on August 29th, the previous judges should have been removed from office. Although the new judges had not yet taken the oath of office, the issuance of the royal command should have rendered the previous judges unable to continue performing their duties.
Second, Chusak questioned the delay in the delivery of the Royal Command to the Constitutional Court. Although the command was issued on September 29th, there was a delay of 1-2 days in its submission, raising concerns about whether there was an intention to allow the previous judge to continue performing duties. The coinciding roles of the countersignor and the plaintiff also raised questions.
When asked if these actions might invalidate the case, Chusak refrained from making a definitive statement, emphasizing that it is up to the court to decide. He further mentioned that if the duties were not performed, it could affect the verdict, as the vote would stand at 5 to 3 among the eight Constitutional Court judges, a point raised by MPs.
Chusak concluded by stating that he does not know the potential outcome of the case and would not interfere, leaving it to the court's discretion.