Party disbandment puts government in disarray
The punishment by party dissolution has immediately caused Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to lose his job because he automatically lost his House seat, the basis for his premiership.
Under the Constitution, the government collapsed following the departure of Somchai.
Somchai has announced to have effectively ended his office as of Tuesday's afternoon.
Based on charter provisions, the Cabinet members have to work in caretaker capacity until the formation of the next government.
Of 36 Cabinet members, only 22 will not be impacted by the party disbandment. The other 14, including Somchai, are obligated to leave office without delay.
Among the 22 caretaker ministers, only two of four deputy prime ministers are qualified to work in the capacity of caretaker prime minister. The two are Chaovarat Chanweerakul of People Power Party and Sanan Kachornprasart of Chart Thai Party.
The other two deputy prime ministers, Kowit Watana and Olarn Chaipravat, are not MPs, hence lacking credentials to lead the caretaker administration.
{literal}
Top Stories
- Capital increasingly tense as coup rumours spread
- Stranded aircrafts allowed to leave
- Suvarnabhumi siege ends
- PM condemns seizing of airport as illegal and threat to democracy
- Thailand on world travel warning list
- Pro-govt rally anticipates Thaksin's call
- Battle moves to Court
- 50 injured in explosion inside Government House
- Govt: Thaksin's phone-in can fight coup
- PAD ends its occupation of the Government House
Politics Blog
Sonthi VS Sondhi
Junta chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin is still optimistic about his ally Sondhi Limthongkul.
Who is the Client? Temasek or Thaksin
Surin Upatkoon, the main shareholder in the controversial Kularb Kaew Co, was yesterday charged with a criminal offence for alleged illegal representation of a foreign company under the Foreign Business Act 1999.
Video
Tel 66-2-338-3000(Call Center), 66-2-338-3333, Fax 66-2-338-3334