Rueangkai Files Complaint with Election Commission to Refer Agriculture Minister Suriya's Qualifications to Constitutional Court Over Royal Rainmaking Department Director Transfer
A lawyer filed a complaint with the Election Commission seeking to disqualify Agriculture Minister Suriya, alleging he improperly transferred the Royal Rainmaking Department director in a move that violates constitutional integrity standard
On May 1st, lawyer Rueangkai Leekijvattana submitted a formal petition to the Election Commission requesting an investigation and referral to the Constitutional Court to determine whether Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jungrungruengkij should be disqualified from office. The complaint centers on Suriya's alleged role in transferring Rachan Silparayya from his position as director of the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department to become a ministry inspector, which Rueangkai contends demonstrates a lack of integrity and serious ethical misconduct violating constitutional provisions 170(4) and 160(4-5). Rueangkai cited evidence including Rachan's resignation letter citing inability to comply with political directives, social media posts, and media interviews as substantiation for his claims. Suriya subsequently gave an interview acknowledging his grandson contacted Rachan about the fiscal year 70 budget but denied involvement in the transfer, claiming it was routine due to Rachan's approaching retirement. Rueangkai maintains sufficient evidence exists for the ECT to refer the matter to the Constitutional Court for determination of whether Suriya meets disqualification criteria, and requested the ECT compile evidence from involved parties and order Suriya to cease his ministerial duties pending the court's decision.
