The Constitutional Court has unanimously dismissed three petitions challenging the actions of state agencies and cabinet ministers, ruling the petitioners had failed to demonstrate any direct violation of their constitutional rights.
In the first case, the court rejected a petition by Natthida Nikrothangkun against the Election Commission (EC) over its decision to print barcodes on party-list ballot papers in the general election.
She argued the use of barcodes, instead of the QR codes originally budgeted for, compromised ballot secrecy and violated voters' constitutional rights.
The court ruled Ms Natthida had failed to show that her own rights or freedoms had been directly infringed.
It also found her petition merely expressed personal opinions and did not explain how the use of barcodes had undermined the secrecy of the vote. The petition failed to meet the requirements for constitutional complaints under Section 213.
The second petition, filed by Thanawit Wongthantip, sought the removal of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.
The petitioner alleged Mr Anutin's appointment of Mr Phiphat to oversee national energy policy created a conflict of interest because of Mr Phiphat's family's business interests in the energy sector. He also claimed that soaring fuel prices had caused him direct harm.
The court ruled that Mr Thanawit had not demonstrated any violation of his constitutional rights arising from the appointments.
It also ruled that petitions seeking the removal of ministers on constitutional or ethical grounds may only be initiated through procedures specified in the constitution, including referrals by at least one-tenth of MPs or senators, or by the EC.
In the third case, the court dismissed a petition by activist Srisuwan Janya against former deputy prime minister and energy minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga.
