Bangkok: The Constitutional Court is waiting for documents from relevant agencies to clarify the Senate’s petition against “Phumtham-Thawee” for allegedly using the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to interfere with the Election Commission during an investigation into Senate collusion.

According to Thai News Agency, the Constitutional Court is reviewing a petition submitted by the President of the Senate. The petition seeks a ruling under Section 170, paragraph three, in conjunction with Section 82 of the Constitution, on whether Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, should have their positions terminated as per Section 170, paragraph one (4), and Section 160 (4) and (5) of the Constitution.

The petition claims that Mr. Phumtham and Pol. Col. Thawee are involved in committing special criminal offenses under the Special Case Investigation Act of 2004. It alleges that they used the DSI to influence the Election Commission’s scrutiny process regarding the selection of senators, which constitutes interference with the legislative branch. The actions are seen as harassment and intimidation, violating the principle of separation of powers and the rule of law. The petition argues that their conduct is clearly dishonest and seriously violates ethical standards, potentially leading to the end of their ministerial status.

The Constitutional Court has discussed the matter and, for the benefit of the trial, is now waiting for additional opinions and documents from the agencies it had previously summoned.