A member of Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s cabinet, Pichit Chuenban, tendered his resignation on Tuesday, just days before the nation’s charter court was set to review a petition filed by a group of senators seeking the leader’s ouster.
Pichit stepped down from his position as a minister in the prime minister’s office, stating that his departure would enable Srettha to continue his duties unimpeded. The senators had demanded Pichit's dismissal, contending that he did not meet the necessary qualifications for the role as per the constitution.
Pichit, who previously served as a legal counsel for the influential Shinawatra family, faced a six-month jail sentence in 2008 for contempt of court. This came after he was found attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials while representing former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a corruption trial. Following the scandal, Thaksin fled Thailand.
The senators’ grounds for seeking Srettha's removal were centered on his alleged failure to uphold ethical standards as enshrined in the constitution, particularly by appointing Pichit to his cabinet.
The outcome of the court's decision regarding the petition remains uncertain as it convenes on Thursday, with the possibility of either proceeding with a ruling or dismissing the petition altogether.
In his resignation letter, Pichit expressed, “I will not cling to the position in a way that would prioritize my personal benefits over the public good,” showcasing a commitment to ethical conduct in public service.
While currently on an official trip in Europe, Srettha conveyed on Monday that he harbored no ethical concerns regarding Pichit's appointment, yet he affirmed his full cooperation with any process aimed at scrutinizing his administration.