Bangkok: The Constitutional Court has set a date for delivering its verdict on the case concerning Pichet Chuamuangphan’s alleged constitutional breach. The court has scheduled the verdict announcement for August 1st, focusing on Pichet’s attempt to visit his own area, which purportedly violates Article 144 of the Constitution.
According to Thai News Agency, the case was brought forth by Mr. Phanthil Nuamchim and 121 members of the House of Representatives. They submitted a petition to the Constitutional Court, requesting a ruling under Section 144, paragraph three, of the Constitution. The allegations center on Mr. Pichet Chuamuangphan, the First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who is accused of approving budget proposals for three projects for the Office of the Secretariat of the House of Representatives. These proposals are linked to the 2025 budget expenditures, with claims that Mr. Pichet contributed directly and indirectly to these budgets.
The controversy deepens as the Office of the Secretariat of the House of Representatives sought to resubmit these projects in the 2026 fiscal year budget. The proposal mirrors the 2025 fiscal year budget format, with Mr. Pichet allegedly involved in actions impacting the 2026 budget. This involvement is said to breach Section 144, paragraph two, of the Constitution. Mr. Pichet has filed a defense against these accusations, and the Constitutional Court has reviewed testimonies from nine witnesses related to the case.
The court has ordered that the closing statements from all parties be included in the case file. With sufficient evidence and the issue primarily being a legal matter, the Constitutional Court concluded its investigation as per the Organic Act on Procedure of the Constitutional Court B.E. 2561 (2018), Section 58, paragraph one. The process involves a verbal statement, consultation meeting, and vote scheduled for August 1, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., with the verdict hearing set for 3:00 p.m. at the Constitutional Court’s courtroom in the Government Complex Commemorating His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary, Ratchaburi Direkrit Building.