Bangkok: The Cabinet has approved the appointment of Chusak Sirinil as the acting director of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) following a decision by the Constitutional Court that temporarily suspends Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong from his duties. This development arises amid allegations of Thawee’s involvement in manipulating the senator selection process.

According to Thai News Agency, the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra resolved to appoint Chusak Sirinil, the Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, to assume the responsibilities once held by Thawee. This decision follows the Constitutional Court’s order which has resulted in Thawee ceasing his role as the supervisor of the DSI and Deputy Chairman of the Special Case Committee. The suspension stems from a petition submitted by several senators to the President of the Senate, accusing Thawee of utilizing the DSI to meddle in the scrutiny process of senator selection.

In a related matter, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Vejjayachai, who had previously been assigned by the Prime Minister to oversee the Ministry of Justice, will continue his role without further resolutions from the Cabinet. The Office of the Council of State confirmed that Phumtham’s current oversight responsibilities, which include the DSI, remain unchanged and do not require reassignment by the Cabinet.