Seeking Suchon

Published on September 24 , 2005 - The Campaign for Popular Democracy yesterday promised to press on with its efforts to seek impeachment proceedings against Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua even though Visut Montriwat has withdrawn his name for consideration for the post of auditor-general.

“The campaign will continue to solicit 50,000 signatures of voters required to activate impeachment proceedings against Suchon,” said activist Suriyasai Katasila.

Even though Visut voluntarily withdrew his name to end the confusion, Suchon was still responsible for submitting his name for royal endorsement despite the unclear job status of Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka, Suriyasai said.

He said Suchon should be held accountable for his errant submission of Visut’s appointment.

As of yesterday about 15,000 people had signed the impeachment petition.

Snoh Thienthong, leader of the ruling party’s Wang Nam Yen faction, said Suchon should reflect on whether he should resign and accept responsibility for the matter.

Snoh, usually a Suchon ally, in June spearheaded a campaign supported by 60 government MPs advising against Visut’s appointment. “Suchon is now responsible to correct his mistake by finding out why the royal endorsement for Visut is not forthcoming and he should proceed from there,” he said.