THE Constitutional Court ruled that there is no conflict interest in Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha residing at a house in an army camp even through he stepped down as army commander six years ago nor is it unethical for him to do so therefore he need not step down from premiership, Thai Rath newspaper reported this afternoon (Dec. 2).
This case was filed by Mr. Prasert Chantrawongthong, Pheu Thai Party’s secretary-general.
The panel of nine judges also did not find anything wrong with the army paying the Prime Minister’s household electricity and water bills.
The judges stated that the army should according to its regulations provide a house for Gen. Prayut to live in safely because Phitsanulok Mansion, the official residence of the Prime Minister, is not ready for use.
As Gen. Prayut has not done anything unethical nor has he claimed benefits that affect the performance of his duties he therefore does not have to resign from premiership, the verdict read.
Meanwhile Sanook.com reported that the Constitutional Court’s verdict clearing Gen. Prayut of any wrongdoing for continuing to reside in an army house after retirement reached the number one spot on Thai Twitter trend this afternoon.
Many internet users said they were not surprised at the ruling but shocked that this sort of a case actually materialised.
A few other netizens shared the names of the nine judges who made this ruling.
Several of them also point to a May 2019 news report about a Korean war veteran selling lottery tickets beneath the pedestrian overpass near Pantip Plaza mall, Ngamwongwan branch.
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Top: Prime Minister Prayut is all smiles after winning the case Photo: Thai Rath
