Bangkok: Mr. Chusak Sirinil, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, addressed the qualifications of new ministers, highlighting the discretion needed in the absence of clear legal rulings.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chusak specified that candidates must fill out a form from the Office of the Secretariat to the Cabinet (OCC) to verify their qualifications, which include never having been sentenced to prison. Despite the lack of a court ruling, candidates are considered innocent, but the Prime Minister must exercise discretion concerning ethics and honesty due to ambiguous laws.

Mr. Chusak explained that in cases where reports, such as assault, are withdrawn, the decision to appoint a minister becomes a matter of discretion. The constitution’s ambiguity, particularly regarding ethics and honesty, creates challenges for determining qualifications without a legal verdict. Therefore, unresolved cases may not disqualify a candidate unless a court decision is made.

Discussing the criteria for appointing ministers with pending National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) cases, Mr. Chusak emphasized that the Prime Minister bears responsibility and must decide based on appropriateness. Without a court ruling, sued individuals are presumed innocent, preventing disqualification solely on pending cases. He noted that prolonged court procedures could hinder governmental functions if candidates are unable to act due to undecided cases.

Regarding the potential need for a reserve list of candidates, Mr. Chusak acknowledged it as a possible practice, allowing changes if necessary. He also addressed concerns about a potential vacuum if the Constitutional Court orders the Prime Minister to cease duties on July 1, following investigations into an audio clip. The legal implications of such a scenario remain uncertain, as it has not occurred before, warranting further analysis to determine if an acting PM can assume responsibilities.