PM Somchai Faces Ouster Sometime This Week

As reported in the Bangkok Post today:

Link:  http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=131372

Despite calls by the Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Anupong Paojinda and many others in both the government and private sectors for the government to show responsibility for the Oct 7 crackdown on the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters which left two people dead and more than 400 injured, Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has persistently resisted the calls.

It is believed that the embattled premier wants to buy time to delay his decision to show responsibility until an investigation into the tragic event by an independent truth commission is completed.  But time may not be on his side. Instead, it is running out fast.

The prime minister may be forced to stand down, not because of a military putsch or because of a Constitution Court order to dissolve the People Power party on electoral fraud charges, but because of a verdict of the National Counter Corruption Commission, which is due tomorrow or Thursday, relating to a decade-long malfeasance case against the prime minister. . .

Please click the link to read the full news article as it is a pretty long one.  To sum up, the timing of the verdict could not be more appropriate given the growing chorus for the embattled prime minister to show responsibility for the Oct 7 bloodletting.

Instead of a coup to force political change which will further exacerbate Thailand's faltering image in the international community, the NCCC should provide a better alternative solution. And there is no reason for the NCCC board to postpone its crucial ruling.

If faulted for gross negligence related to the graft case, the only penalty to be meted out is dismissal from service. As such Mr Somchai's qualifications as an MP will be in doubt in accordance with Article 102 (6) of the Constitution. And since he is an MP, his status as prime minister will be in jeopardy too.

Let's hope there is a peaceful way out for the current chaotic situation to improve, for the sake of the Thai nation and Thai people.

--  Dalmasian