National —
On October 18th, 2024, Thai national media reported that the Election Commission (EC) Secretary-General, Sawang Boonmee, reviewed six petitions calling for the dissolution of the Pheu Thai Party and six former coalition parties.
The petitions, filed by both anonymous and non-anonymous individuals, including Thai Pakdee Party President Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, Palang Pracharath Party member Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, and former activist Nopparuj Worachitwuttikul, claim that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, despite not being a member, exerted undue influence over these parties.
Previously, Dr. Warong submitted a petition to the EC requesting an investigation into two key issues regarding former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s alleged influence over the Pheu Thai Party.
The petitions cite meetings at Thaksin’s residence, where party leaders allegedly sought his guidance in selecting a new prime minister after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s status was terminated by the Constitutional Court.
Thaksin’s public statements on ministerial appointments and his influence on Pheu Thai’s coalition choices were also noted. Notably, they reference Thaksin’s vision, presented on August 22nd, which was later incorporated into the government’s policy agenda.
The EC found the petitions to have merit and formed a committee to conduct an investigation, to be completed within 30 days, with extensions allowed if needed. If the investigation finds that Thaksin’s involvement breached sections 28 and 29 of the Political Parties Act, the EC could recommend to the Thai Constitutional Court to dissolve the parties under Section 92(3) of the same law.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, a Pheu Thai leader, responded by downplaying the allegations. He stated that meetings with Thaksin were normal social interactions, including sharing meals at his residence, which also belongs to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Phumtham emphasized that these interactions should not be misinterpreted and added, “There is no issue here; this is why the country is in chaos, with endless complaints over simple matters.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, which is also targeted in the petitions, expressed no concern. When asked about the possible dissolution of his party, Anutin calmly remarked, “I’m not worried at all.”
This is not the first time that the EC reviewed the petition calling for the dissolution of a political party as previously seen on the Move Forward Party that we covered here.
The petition led to the dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and the revocation of the electoral rights of its executive members for their campaign to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
