In a bold move that’s shaking up Thai politics, the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has flatly refused to process a high-stakes case accusing former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the ruling Pheu Thai Party of attempting to overthrow Thailand’s democratic system with the King as Head of State.
According to a news source, the case was dismissed today, November 19, due to insufficient grounds for such a claim but the Constitutional Court will still deliberate on it.
The case was originally filed by lawyer Teerayut Suwankesorn earlier this month, alleging that Thaksin, father of the current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is exerting undue influence over the Pheu Thai Party to undermine Thailand’s democratic principles. Teerayut petitioned the AGO, charging that the actions violated Section 49 of the constitution.
On November 8, the AGO confirmed it had forwarded the case documents to the Constitutional Court, which has now scheduled a November 22 hearing date.
“The AGO did not find the case to constitute a violation of Section 49 and has therefore declined to process it as petitioned.”
Although the AGO has opted not to pursue the case, the Constitutional Court still has the authority to review it independently. Reportedly, the court has asked the AGO to provide further details regarding actions attributed to Thaksin and Pheu Thai that supposedly support the overthrow allegations, along with any related evidence.
The AGO must supply this information within 15 days of forwarding the case documents, ensuring that the court has the materials needed to proceed, reported The Nation.
In related news, Thaksin is set to be summoned by a parliamentary committee to address allegations regarding his treatment at the Police General Hospital during his detention. These claims suggest the 74 year old politician received special privileges while at the hospital, raising questions about the standard procedures typically followed for prisoners requiring medical attention.
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