Bangkok: His Majesty the King has appointed Sarawut Songsiwilai as a new Constitutional Court judge, succeeding Panya Udchachan, whose term has concluded. The Royal Gazette announced this royal decree on August 30, 2025.

According to Thai News Agency, the Royal Gazette published the Royal Decree dated September 2, 2025, detailing the appointment of Constitutional Court judges. The decree elaborates on the expiration of Mr. Panya Uthachan’s term, which led to a vacancy on the bench. Mr. Uthachan was initially appointed as a Constitutional Court Judge on November 26, 2015, and resigned following the completion of his term.

The Senate has approved the appointment of Mr. Sarawut Songsivilai, who fulfills the necessary qualifications and lacks any prohibited characteristics, as a Constitutional Court Judge. This appointment aligns with Section 200 (5) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand and follows the procedures outlined in the Organic Act on the Procedures of the Constitutional Court, B.E. 2561. His Majesty has graciously bestowed the position upon Mr. Songsiwilai, effective immediately.

The Royal Command, announced on August 30, 2025, marks the 10th year of the current reign and was signed by Mongkol Surasajja, President of the Senate.

Reporters have highlighted that Paisal Puechmongkol, a former assistant to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, raised concerns on Facebook. He cited a document, allegedly a royal decree, dated August 29th, questioning its authenticity as it was not yet published in the Royal Gazette. Puechmongkol suggested that this might invalidate a ruling in Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra’s case, as the new judge’s appointment coincided with the day the ruling was delivered, leaving the outgoing judge still involved in the case. This controversy has prompted the Pheu Thai Party to petition the Constitutional Court to annul the trial process.