Bid for review of PM's positi
Two lawyers yesterday lodged an appeal asking the Supreme Administrative Court to order a judicial review of the legality of Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's leave of absence in April.
Nitithorn Lamlua and Nakhon Chompoochat acted as members of the Law Society of Thailand to litigate against Thaksin. A lower court rejected the judicial review on June 2 on grounds that the two lawyers were not an injured party afflicted by Thaksin's leave, known as his "political break". It also said the bureaucratic provisions on leave of absence were internal governmental regulations and not applicable to the public. In their appeal, the two lawyers said Thaksin's unlawful absence and resumption of duties had impacted on the government's decisions and policies, which affected the public. Therefore, the lower court should be ordered to review the legality of his office, they said. In their original writ, they said Thaksin's unlawful leave was tantamount to stepping down. They asked the court to nullify all Cabinet resolutions issued following April 5 and ban Thaksin from resuming his duties. They also petitioned the court to order Thaksin to pay back his salary and benefits. The high court has yet to rule whether to launch an appellate review.
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