May 21, 2008
BANGKOK - The opposition party began impeachment proceedings Wednesday against a government minister for allegedly insulting the revered monarchy.
Jakrapob Penkair, PM’s Office Minister, faces suspension and possible expulsion from government if comments he made last August are considered an abuse of power.
"We have filed a motion to impeach Jakrapob with the Senate speaker on two counts: for intention to abuse power and intention to breach the constitution," opposition whip Sathit Wongnongtoei said.
The speaker will consider the motion and hand his findings to National Counter-Corruption Commission (NCCC) before May 26.
"If the NCCC finds Jakrapob guilty, he must be suspended from duty immediately," Sathit said. "The NCCC will then refer the issue to the Senate for an impeachment vote."
Jakrapob is awaiting an official translation of his comments, which were made in English at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand and are the focus of a separate criminal investigation, according to AFP.
If found guilty of the serious lese majeste criminal charge, Jakrapob could face 15 years in prison.
Jakrapob, a staunch ally of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who led protests against the September 2006 coup, would be the first minister to face impeachment proceedings in the current four-month old coalition government.
