On June 20, reporters revealed that Senate President Mongkol Surasajja had officially submitted a letter to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) requesting an investigation into Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The letter, prompted by a group of senators on June 19, accuses the PM of malfeasance, intentional misconduct, or abuse of power in violation of the Constitution or serious breaches of ethical standards.
Additionally, a letter was sent to the Constitutional Court to determine whether Ms. Paetongtarn’s premiership should be terminated under Section 170 paragraph 3, in conjunction with Sections 82 and 160(4)(5) of the Constitution.
The move follows efforts by Senator Gen. Sawat Tadsana, Chair of the Senate Committee on Military Affairs, who gathered signatures for PM removal. Previously, Gen. Sawat and others called for her resignation, citing actions potentially in violation of:
- The Constitution – Articles 5, 52, 164, concerning national loyalty, protection of sovereignty, and honest governance.
- Criminal Code – Alleged violations under Sections on state security, treason, collusion with foreign adversaries, and Section 257 (malfeasance in office).
- Ethics and Political Qualification – Accusations of dishonesty, severe ethical breaches, and political unfitness under Section 160.
The controversy intensified following remarks allegedly criticizing Thailand’s Second Army Region Commander as being “on the other side,” implying allegiance to Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. This was seen as a divisive and disloyal act, further fueling calls for her immediate resignation and legal action.
The military affairs committee and involved senators assert that such conduct makes her unfit to lead the country even for a moment longer, and are proceeding with formal motions to the Constitutional Court and the NACC for her removal.