Constitutional Court orders Tawee to step aside amid allegations of DSI abuse

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has ordered Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong to temporarily cease his duties overseeing the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) pending a final ruling on alleged misconduct.

The decision follows a petition submitted by senators, claiming that Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Tawee interfered with the Election Commission's authority by using the DSI to initiate criminal probes seen as politically motivated. 

The court ruled that while there is no sufficient suspicion to suspend Phumtham, Tawee’s role overseeing the DSI raised credible concerns.

The court directed relevant agencies to submit evidence within 15 days before proceeding with a full ruling. 

Tawee’s suspension applies solely to his role as Justice Minister responsible for the DSI and his position as deputy chair of the Special Case Committee.

The case invokes Sections 170 and 160 of the Constitution, relating to ethical standards and grounds for the termination of ministerial status.

The case stems from complaints filed by several Senate election candidates in 2024, alleging irregularities during the district and provincial rounds of voting. Accusations included coordinated vote manipulation, prearranged voting lists, and vote-buying.

As Minister of Justice, Tawee supported the DSI in classifying the matter as a special case. He cited possible violations involving money laundering and organised crime.

However, critics—particularly from the Senate—argue that the move constitutes political interference in the electoral process. They claim the DSI investigation undermines the Election Commission’s authority and was used as a tool to intimidate or influence lawmakers.

These concerns led a group of senators to petition the Constitutional Court, questioning whether Tawee’s actions—and those of Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai—violated ethical standards under the Constitution. 

After learning of the Constitutional Court's ruling, the Minister of Justice stated that we must respect the decision of the Court. Personally, he views the ruling as having a positive impact, as it reassures all parties regarding the investigation process into the alleged Senate election collusion case. He also sees it as a step that further strengthens the rule of law and transparency.

Tawee emphasised that, as a rule, ministers cannot interfere with the investigation process of any case. Whether a case progresses or stalls does not depend on the minister, as the process follows the law and the investigators operate independently. He personally has never spoken with the Election Commission (EC) nor intervened in any way in this investigation. Going forward, he plans to submit a written clarification of the facts to the Constitutional Court within 15 days, in accordance with procedural requirements.

Tawee stated that, from his perspective, the Court has not issued any ruling that causes him personal harm. He is confident in his ability to clarify the facts to the Court and sees no need to file an appeal, as ministers are not in a position to influence legal proceedings in practice.

The Minister further revealed that an acting official will be appointed to oversee the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and it is expected that Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, will assume that role.

The case stems from complaints filed by several Senate election candidates in 2024, alleging irregularities during the district and provincial rounds of voting. Accusations included coordinated vote manipulation, prearranged voting lists, and vote-buying.

As Minister of Justice, Tawee supported the DSI in classifying the matter as a special case. He cited possible violations involving money laundering and organised crime.

However, critics—particularly from the Senate—argue that the move constitutes political interference in the electoral process. They claim the DSI investigation undermines the Election Commission’s authority and was used as a tool to intimidate or influence lawmakers.

These concerns led a group of senators to petition the Constitutional Court, questioning whether Tawee’s actions—and those of Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai—violated ethical standards under the Constitution. 

As Minister of Justice, Tawee supported the DSI in classifying the matter as a special case. He cited possible violations involving money laundering and organised crime.

However, critics—particularly from the Senate—argue that the move constitutes political interference in the electoral process. They claim the DSI investigation undermines the Election Commission’s authority and was used as a tool to intimidate or influence lawmakers.

These concerns led a group of senators to petition the Constitutional Court, questioning whether Tawee’s actions—and those of Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai—violated ethical standards under the Constitution.