Election Commission Urged to Probe Thaksin’s Dual Citizenship

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Picture courtesy: Siam Rath

 

On 18 November 2024, Sondhiya Sawatdee, a former advisor to the House of Representatives' legal, justice, and human rights commission, filed a formal request with Thailand’s Election Commission (EC).

 

He urged the commission to investigate whether Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, holds dual citizenship in Thailand and Montenegro.

 

This inquiry stems from Thaksin’s involvement in campaigning for a Pheu Thai Party candidate in the Udon Thani provincial administrative organisation (PAO) election last weekend.

 

Sondhiya expressed concerns that Thaksin's dual citizenship, if confirmed, could violate local election laws, party regulations, and the constitution.

 

He referenced Section 68 of the 2019 Local Council and Administrative Organisation Election Act, noting that Thaksin’s prolonged 17-year absence from Thailand and reports of his Montenegrin citizenship raised legal questions.

Sondhiya cited Montenegro’s policy prohibiting dual citizenship and questioned whether Thaksin’s actions were in line with Montenegrin law.

 

Efforts to confirm Thaksin’s citizenship status through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were inconclusive. Sondhiya contacted the Montenegrin honorary consulate in Thailand, only to be told that inquiries must be directed to Montenegro’s authorities.

 

Sondhiya added that the EC must clarify whether Thaksin’s campaign activities were lawful. If Thaksin still holds Montenegrin citizenship, his involvement in the election campaign could render it invalid.

 

Thai law prohibits non-Thai nationals from participating in any form of election activities. Additionally, Sondhiya raised concerns over Thaksin’s campaign rhetoric, accusing him of using defamatory and misleading language. 

 

The Pheu Thai Party’s involvement, given its logo and endorsement of the Udon Thani PAO candidate, was also flagged for scrutiny. Sondhiya urged the EC to address the issue thoroughly to ensure clarity and accountability.

 

In a related matter, Sondhiya plans to submit a separate inquiry to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

 

He seeks an explanation regarding her absence from the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Summit in Laos last month, which was noted in Filipino media reports.

 

Sondhiya questioned whether this reflects on the country’s representation on the global stage, urging a clear response for the reassurance of Thai citizens, reported Siam RAth.

 

-- 2024-11-19