Australian Aged Pension

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Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

Petition over ex-premier's influence causing 'social unrest'
 

Major Thai political parties have downplayed the Election Commission’s (EC) investigation into former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's alleged unlawful influence over the government. The petitions claim Thaksin exerted control over the ruling Pheu Thai Party and five other former coalition parties.

 

The allegations stem from a meeting of the six party leaders at Thaksin's Ban Chan Song La residence in Bangkok on the day Srettha Thavisin was dismissed as Prime Minister. The EC has a 30-day deadline for the probe.

 

Petitions from an anonymous individual, Thai Pakdee Party chairman Warong Dechgitvigrom, Ruangkrai Leekitwattana from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), and Noppharut Worachitwutthikun from the Phirap Khao 2006 group, urge the EC to ask the court to dissolve all six parties for allegedly breaching Section 28 of the political parties’ law.

Phumtham Wechayachai, Thailand's deputy prime minister and Pheu Thai Party leader, stated that the meeting was merely a gathering for a meal. Thaksin’s home is also the residence of his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the current Prime Minister.

 

Discussions at the meeting concerned potential replacements for Mr Srettha Thavisin, but the next day, Pheu Thai opted for Ms Paetongtarn, who secured the parliamentary vote.

 

Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, also Deputy Prime Minister, expressed no concern over the probe. PM’s Office Minister Chousak Sirinil noted the government's readiness to counter the petitions, arguing the absence of Thaksin’s dominance, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Democrat Party's Thepthai Senpong suggested the EC's decision to investigate may have been influenced by photos of party leaders at Thaksin's residence. Proving unlawful influence requires substantial evidence, which could prolong the legal process.

 

-- 2024-10-21

 

 

[OneMoreFarang]

Next thing they claim they never heard of him.

Thaksin who?