Bangkok Post – Anutin: Charn faces suspension

Interior Ministry supports court decision

Charn Phuangphet, who won the election as chairman of the Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) in Pathum Thani, will be suspended from duty unless the court decides otherwise, said Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Mr Anutin said on Sunday that provincial authorities would follow legal advice from the State Council, which considered the suspension necessary because Mr Charn still faces trial for abuse of office.

However, if Mr Charn seeks a court decision in the dispute and the court rules in his favour, the parties concerned will be obliged to comply with the court order, he said, citing media reports that Mr Charn was ready to ask the court to rule on the matter.

“We will do what the court says. But without a court order, we have to follow the advice of the Supreme Court. I do not believe the governor has any ill intentions against anyone,” Mr Anutin said.

On Saturday, Pathum Thani Governor Passakorn Bunyaluck stressed that he would follow the instructions of the Interior Ministry and the CoS’s legal advice in handling Mr Charn’s case. This means that Mr Charn will be suspended once his victory is confirmed by the Election Commission.

Mr Anutin, who is also chairman of the Bhumjaithai Party, stressed that the issue would not be politicised and said that provincial authorities in other provinces would take the same measures. He also said that he had respect for Mr Charn, who is a former member of the Bhumjaithai Party, as well as his political rival, Lt Gen Kamronwit Toopkrajang.

Mr Charn, a Pheu Thai Party candidate, won the local election on June 30 despite widespread skepticism due to an ongoing trial for abuse of office related to his previous tenure as PAO chairman over a decade ago.

He faces trial before the Region 1 Criminal Court for corruption and misconduct charges, alleging that he procured relief supplies through the PAO during the 2011 floods while he was PAO chief.

In another development, the Move Forward Party (MFP) is preparing to contest local elections in at least 20 provinces.

MFP Deputy Secretary-General Nattapong Ruangpanyawut said the candidate selection process has been launched in 20 provinces and they will soon announce their candidate for the PAO chairmanship in the northern province of Lamphun.

He believes that if the turnout is high, the party candidates can defeat those backed by powerful families. He said the MFP did not participate in the PAO campaign in Pathum Thani due to technical reasons.

Charn Phuangphet (photo from his Facebook account)