From Wissanu to Pichit: The legal eagles keeping prime ministers out of jail

A combo photo shows Wissanu Krea-ngam (L) and Pichit Chuenban (R).

In power for less than two months, the government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has already run into legal issues that could potentially land the PM and his Cabinet members in jail.

Petitioners recently filed complaints against Srettha over last month’s appointment of a new national police chief. Srettha nominated Pol General Torsak Sukvimol for the job despite him being the least senior among the four candidates – a move which critics claimed violated the law, regulations, and ethical standards.

The legal trouble has placed another man in the public spotlight.

Pichit Chuenban appears to have been chosen as Srettha’s adviser in government legal affairs, charged with steering the PM safely through legal pitfalls when implementing policy or making decisions.

Pichit, one among many legal experts in the…