Legal action sought against acting PM over House dissolution request

Bhumjaithai’s legal chief, Supachai Jaisamut, sought legal action today against acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, accusing him of malfeasance in office, in violation of Section 157 of the Criminal Code.

Supachai told police at Dusit station that, on September 2, Phumtham submitted a request seeking His Majesty the King’s approval to dissolve the House, insisting that his action was in line with the law and constitution.

Supachai argues, however, that the move was unlawful, citing a previous opinion by Pakorn Nilprapunt, secretary-general of the Council of State and the government’s legal adviser, who had said that a caretaker prime minister has no authority to request a royal decree to dissolve parliament.

He said Phumtham’s action could, therefore, be deemed inappropriate and risks offending the monarchy.

Phumtham’s request for the House dissolution came only after the opposition People’s party announced that its 143 MPs would support Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul as Thailand’s next prime minister, in preference to Pheu Thai’s candidate Chaikasem Nitisiri.

Supachai asked the police to pursue charges against Phumtham and urged that the investigation be expanded to cover any accomplices, should such evidence emerge during their inquiry.