The Ombudsman is expected to rule whether to forward the petition questioning Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in relation to his alleged oath blunder to the Constitutional Court next Tuesday, secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman Raksagecha Chaechai said on Thursday.
"On that day, the Ombudsman will meet to discuss the complaint filed by Pol Gen Sereepisut Temeeyaves, who questioned the validity of Gen Prayut's appointment as prime minister, given the incomplete oath-taking," he said.
Mr Raksagecha said the office earlier received clarification from House Speaker Chuan Leekpai, and is now waiting for Gen Prayut's explanation. In a separate development, chief government whip Virat Ratanasate said the opposition will only have one day to grill Gen Prayut on the issue during a House session early next month.
"We think one day should be enough to get things done," he said yesterday after considering a motion filed by 214 opposition MPs on the debate.
The session will start at 9am and end in the evening, he said, adding the timing is suitable because the opposition only wants Gen Prayut to give an explanation of the oath gaffe and use this opportunity to give some suggestions to his cabinet members.
However, Pheu Thai leader Sompong Amornwiwat disagrees with the plan to limit the debate to just a day.
That matter should be discussed and concluded by MPs on both sides, he said, adding he personally believes the debate should take between two and three days.
The bloc demanded Gen Prayut clarify before the House of Representatives why he failed to recite the final sentence of Section 161 of the constitution, which requires the oath-taker to uphold and abide by the constitution, during the cabinet's swearing-in ceremony last month.
