Chart Thai calls for Jakrapob removal

A Chart Thai MP circulated an open letter on Wednesday calling on Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to sack PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair and suspend a referendum on charter rewrite.

"The country's stability is above that of the government's, bearing in mind that everyone is obliged to uphold the monarchy, a most revered institution throughout Thai history," Natthawut Prasertsuwan said in his letter addressed to the prime minister.

Even though the judicial process involving Jakrapob has not been concluded, his actions have offended the people's sensitivities, Nattahwut said.

He urged Samak either to demand Jakrapob's resignation or to dismiss him.

Jakrapob should quit in order to pave way for clearing his name as an individual instead of dragging the government to get involved in his controversy, he said.

Regarding the issue of charter rewrite, the prime minister has pledged to forge national reconciliation and has no justification to rush the charter amendments at this juncture, he said.

He urged the government to reallocate Bt2 billion earmarked for the planned referendum for other spending plans.

Instead of squandering on the referendum, the government can build about 1,000 school buildings, at the cost of Bt2 million each, or distribute 16.6 million bags of "blue flag" rice to the underprivileged, at the cost of Bt120 each.

Commenting on Natthawut's move, Chart Thai Party MP Warawut Silapaarcha said his father and party leader Banharn Silapaarcha did not give the green light to the letter.

"My father was informed about Natthawut's letter some 20 miniutes ago," Warawut said.

He said Banharn will likely suffer a "political headache" when trying to resolve the trouble stirred up by Natthawut.

REF: http://nationmultimedia.com/2008/05/28/politics/politics_30074175.php