Thailand's Election Commission investigates prime minister candidate

The Bangkok Post on June 10 quoted a source saying that Thailand's six-member Election Commission has decided to launch its own investigation into Pita Limjaroenrat, despite unanimously rejecting three complaints against the politician .

Mr. Pita is the leading candidate for prime minister , as his Multi-Party Forward (MFP) party, along with other parties in the coalition, won a majority in the election in May.

Mr. Pita Limjaroenrat at a press conference in Bangkok on May 22.

Complaints have been filed against Mr. Pita, accusing him of holding 42,000 shares in media company ITV Pcl. Thai law prohibits parliamentary candidates from holding shares in media companies.

Mr. Pita denied the allegations, saying that the company had ceased to operate in the media sector since 2007 and that he did not own but only managed the shares according to his father’s will. Mr. Pita said he transferred the shares to avoid the company being resurrected as a media business and causing him to be disqualified as a member of parliament.

The complainant called on the Election Commission to ask the Constitutional Court to rule on whether Mr Pita should be disqualified as a member of parliament and prime ministerial candidate.

According to the Bangkok Post , the Election Commission dismissed the complaints on the grounds that they were filed after the qualification process had ended. However, because the complaints contained some information regarding Mr. Pita’s candidacy that could be further examined, the Election Commission decided to investigate whether Mr. Pita filed his candidacy despite knowing that he might not be eligible.

According to Bloomberg, candidates are prohibited from holding shares in media companies. Penalties for violations include up to 10 years in prison and a 20-year ban from politics. However, criminal proceedings often involve multiple steps and can take months or even years. The Election Commission will certify the election results by the July 13 deadline.

The investigation is the latest hurdle for Mr Pita's coalition of parties in forming a new government. They are seeking more support from lawmakers to ensure Mr Pita is chosen as prime minister.

To become Thailand's prime minister, a majority of the 500 members of the House of Representatives and 250 senators, appointed by the military government, must support the government, which is equivalent to at least 376 votes. Mr. Pita's eight-party coalition currently has 312 votes, so he will have to attract other parties to join the coalition or convince at least 64 senators to support him.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/bangkok-post-uy-ban-bau-cu-thai-lan-dieu-tra-ung-vien-thu-tuong-185230611091558552.htm