Constitutional Court Expected To Decide On Senators' Petition Thursday

PM's Office Minister Pichit Chuenban brushed away speculation that he had offered his resignation as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin awaits the Constitutional Court's verdict in an ethics case related to his appointment.

• The top court is expected to meet on Thursday and decide whether to accept a petition filed by 40 Senators, who accused Srettha of violating ethical standards. Judges usually meet on Wednesday's, but it is a public holiday.
• The Bangkok Post reported that if the Constitutional Court accepts the petition, it could suspend Srettha and Pichit from duty, while giving them 15 days to submit defence papers.
• Pichit has close links to the powerful former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who returned to the country last year, apparently as part of a political deal between his Pheu Thai Party (PTP) and the royalist, pro-military parties.
• The Cabinet maintains that Pichit has been eligible to hold public office, despite being jailed for contempt of court in 2008, while PM Srettha has insisted that his suspension won't be necessary.