Newly sworn-in Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing a fresh call to stand down over her decision to appoint Phumtham Wechayachai to the cabinet amid historical allegations of subversive behaviour.
Serial petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana yesterday sent a petition via express mail to the Election Commission seeking Ms Paetongtarn's removal as premier over Mr Phumtham's appointment as deputy prime minister and defence minister.
Mr Ruangkrai said it is public knowledge that Mr Phumtham, a member of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, which Ms Paetongtarn leads, was involved in past acts that may be construed as opposing the constitutional monarchy.
The petitioner was apparently referring to Mr Phumtham having belonged to a student group that joined the Communist Party of Thailand (CPT) and took part in anti-government activities following the Oct 6, 1976 massacre of students and protesters at Thammasat University.
He said Mr Phumtham's participation in the CPT may have undermined or been adversarial to the country's system of rule.
By naming a minister with a blemished background to the cabinet, Ms Paetongtarn may be interpreted as having acted dishonestly and violated the code of ethics for holders of public office, which are grounds for expulsion as prime minister under Section 170 of the charter.
Mr Ruangkrai drew a parallel with the Constitutional Court's decision to relieve Srettha Thavisin, Ms Paetongtarn's predecessor, of his duties over his appointment of ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as PM's office minister.
Critics have viewed his appointment as defence minister as questionable and possibly also illegal since he used to stand against the government and the military on account of his participation in communism.
In response, Mr Phumtham, who was called "Big Comrade" during his time with the CPT, said he, like many other students at the time, had fled into the jungle to escape the violence that had become prevalent in the region.
Mr Ruangkrai said that while a prime minister can exercise discretion in selecting individuals to be cabinet ministers, the choices of ministers must not contravene the law.
