Former deputy prime minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said today that he accepted Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s invitation to become an advisor attached to the Cabinet Secretariat because he could not resist the premier’s persistence.
He disclosed that the prime minister came to see him at his residence last Saturday, with an offer to become a deputy prime minister, but he declined because of his poor health and because he is already tied up with several other work and family obligations.
He said the prime minister then offered him an advisor’s position, to help the government “resolve some problems”, without a political position, government car or office, and no need for an assets declaration. He would only receive a meeting stipend.
Dr. Wissanu said that the prime minister told him about the government’s problems and the need for his help in legal affairs. He said that he pointed out to the prime minister that there are already numerous legal experts available, including Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga and the Council of State, but the prime minister was persistent, so he relented and accepted the offer.
He added that his return to government has nothing to do with the case pending with the Constitutional Court, regarding the demand by 40 senators for the prime minister’s removal from the office relating to the recent appointment of Phichit Chuenban as PM Office minister.
Responding to criticism, that he is breaking his own vow not to return to politics, Wissanu claimed that he had not done so by becoming an advisor, adding accepting the offer to become a deputy premier would have broken his vow.
He also said that his legal service in the government will not last long, as he has many reasons, including his poor health, to keep it short.
He also refuted a suggestion that his decision will pave the way for the return of former prime minster Yingluck Shinawatra and help paroled former prime minister Thaksin in the lèse majesté case.
In the case of Yingluck, Wissanu said she could return any time, by simply boarding a flight home, adding that he could not help her because she is already convicted and sentenced to five years in prison.
He said he could not help Thaksin either, because the latter has already been granted a Royal commutation.
Dr. Wissanu served in the Prayut administration and several other governments in the past because of his exceptional legal expertise.
