Thai Senate Rejects Judges for Constitutional Court Amid Political Divisions and Controversy
Nominees Fail to Secure Senate Votes
Siripan Noksuan Sawasdi, a political scientist from Chulalongkorn University, and Chatri Atjananont, a former director-general of the Department of Consular Affairs, did not obtain the required majority of at least 100 votes.
Siripan: 43 votes in favor, 136 against, 7 abstentions.
Chatri: 47 votes in favor, 115 against, 22 abstentions.
Reasons for Rejection
The selection process, led by top legal and political figures, faced controversy.
Political Stance: Ms. Siripan was criticized for supporting an amendment to Section 112 (lese majeste law).
Party Influence: Mr. Chatri was not the preferred choice of Bhumjaithai Party-affiliated senators.
Final Vote After Closed-Door Debate
The debate extended into a closed-door session before Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja called for a final vote at 1:30 PM, confirming both nominees’ rejection.
This decision reflects ongoing political divisions in Thailand’s judicial and legislative system.
The Thai Senate rejects judges for the Constitutional Court, dismissing two nominees due to political concerns and insufficient support. The decision highlights the deep political divisions within the country’s legislative system and raises questions about the future direction of the Constitutional Court.
The Thai Senate rejects judges for the Constitutional Court, reflecting ongoing political challenges within the nation’s legal framework.
Nominees Fail to Secure Senate Approval
Siripan Noksuan Sawasdi, a respected political scientist from Chulalongkorn University, and Chatri Atjananont, a former director-general of the Department of Consular Affairs, were both nominated to replace outgoing Constitutional Court judges Nakharin Mektrairat and Panya Udchanon. However, both candidates failed to secure the required majority of at least 100 votes from the Senate.
Siripan received 43 votes in favor, 136 against, 7 abstentions, and 1 no vote.
Chatri received 47 votes in favor, 115 against, 22 abstentions, and 3 non-voting members.
The selection process, overseen by a committee that included Supreme Court President Chanakarn Theeravechpolkul, House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, and opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, was met with heated debate before the final decision was made.
Reasons Behind the Senate’s Rejection
The rejection of both nominees was driven by political concerns and party affiliations.
Controversy Over Lese Majeste Law (Section 112)
Ms. Siripan faced heavy criticism for signing a mass petition advocating for amendments to Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly known as the lese majeste law.
Some senators argued that her stance could undermine the monarchy’s legal protections, despite her clarification that she was merely exercising her academic right to discuss legal reforms.
Party Politics and Senate Preferences
Mr. Chatri’s rejection was primarily due to his lack of support from senators aligned with the Bhumjaithai Party.
Reports indicate that these senators had initially favored other candidates, such as former Highways Department chief Sarawut Songsivilai or former provincial governor Surachai Khan-arsa, neither of whom made it through the selection process.
Debate and Final Vote After Closed-Door Session
The Senate session, which began late at night, saw extensive debate on the nominees’ qualifications. Some senators argued that the vote should be postponed due to an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in Senate elections. However, the majority insisted that the selection process should continue to fulfill the Senate’s constitutional duty.
At one point, the meeting was moved behind closed doors to allow for further discussion. After emerging from the closed session at 1:30 PM, Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja called for a final vote, which resulted in both candidates being officially rejected.
The Thai Senate rejects judges nominated for the Constitutional Court, citing political concerns and lack of support.
Implications for Thailand’s Legal System
The rejection of the nominees raises concerns about the influence of politics on Thailand’s judiciary. The Constitutional Court plays a critical role in interpreting the country’s laws and making decisions that affect governance. With two vacancies left unfilled, the future direction of the court remains uncertain.
This decision underscores the growing divide within the Thai political landscape and the challenges of judicial independence in a system where political affiliations heavily influence decision-making.
