Govt to wait for court ruling on foreign minister

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Deputy Prime Minister, Wissanu Krea-ngam.
Deputy Prime Minister, Wissanu Krea-ngam.

Bangkok – Thailand’s Government has called for an investigation into the Election Commission’s (EC) ruling that the Minister of Foreign Affairs is unfit for office.

The EC ruled 3-2 in favor of disqualifying Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai from his post, on the grounds that his spouse holds more than 5% equity in a company and failed to notify the National Anti-Corruption Commission within the legally required time frame.

Deputy Prime Minister, Wissanu Krea-ngam, said the ruling is likely just a notification to Don and that an investigation must be undertaken. If the ruling is substantiated, then the Constitutional Court must also rule on the case. The deputy premier added that it is too early to discuss a reshuffle of the Cabinet at this time.

Dr. Wissanu’s statement echoed the remarks previously made by fellow Deputy Prime Minister, ACM Prajin Jantong, who said a ruling by the Constitutional Court must be made first. Regarding a potential Cabinet reshuffle, ACM Prajin said that all officials have been assigned tasks according to the national strategy and reform agenda.