Premier rejects calls to fix alleged oath gaffe

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday shrugged off the opposition’s move to hold him to account over an alleged incomplete oath of allegiance, saying the swearing-in ceremony was complete and finished with.

He was responding to growing criticism over an alleged failure to recite the full text of the oath during the cabinet’s swearing-in ceremony.

Critics claim the prime minister did not vow to protect and abide by the constitution, which is the final paragraph in Section 161 of the charter. This could render his cabinet illegitimate and unable to perform its duties, they say.

Gen Prayut insisted the oath was in compliance with the charter.

The prime minister also urged his critics not to blow the issue out of proportion, saying he was not concerned whether the opposition would file a no-confidence motion against him over the matter.

“The argument is all about the charter which provides a broad framework and is not enough to get all the work done. The mechanisms that drive the country are tens of thousands of laws and regulations,” he said.

Future Forward Party secretarygeneral and list-MP Piyabutr Saengkanokkul yesterday said the opposition would raise the issue before the House of Representatives and force the prime minister to clarify.

He said the opposition is concerned about the government’s blunder and wants the prime minister to correct it to avoid further complications.

“If the government sits on it, the issue will have to be settled by an independent public agency. What if other state agencies also do not deliver a complete oath? What if someone wants a cabinet resolution void because of the prime minister’s incomplete oath?” he said.

Seri Ruamthai Party leader Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves yesterday called on Gen Prayut and cabinet ministers to seek a royal pardon and correct the mistake.

According to Pol Gen Sereepisuth, the government should suspend its work and not carry out duties until it makes the matter right.

Senator Seree Suwanpanon yesterday defended the government’s legitimacy, saying the swearing-in ceremony was completed as required by the charter.

However, he said the issue could be forwarded to the Constitutional Court for review if critics still have questions.

APICHIT JINAKUL Bold as brass Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is greeted by top brass yesterday led by army chief Apirat Kongsompong, fourth left, as he joins the ceremony to commemorate 132 years since the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy was established in Nakhon Nayok’s Muang district.