Chalerm wants GPO cases dropped so he can hire new board

The suit was filed with the Central Administrative Court after Chaiya ordered the dissolution of the GPO board on May 20, and came up with a list of replacements. However, Wichai filed a complaint with the Administrative Court claiming the move was illegal because Chaiya had been disqualified earlier for breaking the 5 per cent company shareholding limit allowed to ministers and their spouses.

At present, the GPO board consists of nine members, though according to the 1966 Government Pharmaceutical Organisation Act, it should have at least 15 members to issue and control policies. However, the law does allow a ninemember board to make decisions provided every member is present.

Once Wichai filed the case, the Administrative Court issued an injunction allowing the removed board members to return to their posts. However, the board cannot really do any work until the Supreme Administrative Court has issued a final verdict on the case.

The court also said that Chaiya and the Cabinet could only appoint six people to the GPO board to replace those who submitted their resignation.

Each GPO board member's term lasts five years, an term of anyone serving on the GPO board lasts five years.

Chalerm has also called on Chaiya to withdraw the appeal he filed against the Administrative Court's injunction.

Meanwhile, GPO director Dr Vithit Attavejchakul has suggested that the newly appointed board include representatives from the Finance Ministry so the body's budget can be controlled and used more efficiently.