At 6:30 a.m. on May 16 at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai addressed the Constitutional Court's order suspending Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, from overseeing the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Special Case Committee. He clarified that the suspension only applies to Tawee’s role related to DSI. The Prime Minister is expected to appoint a replacement to oversee the agency this coming Tuesday.
Phumtham, who also chairs the DSI’s Special Case Committee, reaffirmed his commitment to lawful conduct. He stated that while the court recognized the potential impact of Tawee’s involvement, it had already ruled that Phumtham himself was not directly implicated. He expressed relief and emphasized his continued role in supervising the committee’s proceedings based on cases submitted for consideration.
When asked if he would be concerned if assigned to directly oversee DSI in Tawee’s place, Phumtham said he would follow any orders given by his superiors and was not worried about being suspended, as all actions would be guided by legal authority and due process.
Regarding potential scenarios resulting from the court’s ruling—whether favorable or unfavorable—Phumtham said he had made no special preparations. He explained that the court operates within its jurisdiction and that his responsibility was to collect and forward relevant information and evidence for judicial review.
“I have clarified my actual involvement as chair of the Special Case Committee. When a petition was submitted, we followed due process. The Election Commission’s Secretary-General submitted the case, and we proceeded accordingly. We reviewed which issues fall under the Election Commission’s authority and which qualify as special cases. We have not concluded anything—it's all based on the evidence,” he said.
When asked about political speculation that this situation reflects a legal power struggle within the ruling coalition, Phumtham said such views are varied but insisted he is merely performing his duties.
As for suggestions of political infighting between “red” and “blue” factions, Phumtham dismissed the narrative: “There is no red or blue. This matter follows legal principles. If the facts show problems, we deal with them accordingly. Let’s not imagine unnecessary conflict. I still send flower arrangements to ministers who are unwell.”