EC Secretary Faces Legal Action Over Party Dissolution Decision

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In a developing legal drama, Election Commission secretary-general Sawang Boonmee faces potential legal action for his decision not to recommend the dissolution of the Bhumjaithai Party over accusations of unlawful donations. This contentious decision has triggered a petition by lawyer Pattharapong Supaksorn, accusing Sawang of dereliction of duty.

 

Last December, the Election Commission decided not to dissolve the Bhumjaithai Party after inadequate evidence in allegations of accepting illicit donations. The claims originated from former parlour tycoon Chuwit Kamolvisit, attempting to leverage sections of laws prohibiting political parties from unlawful funding sources.

 

 

At the centre of this controversy is Burijarearn Construction, alleged to be controlled by proxies for ex-Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob, previously tied to Bhumjaithai Party. Saksayam was removed by the court for hidden stock holdings in the firm, conflicting with legal requirements for ministers.

 

Pattharapong's case particularly highlights Sawang's perceived disregard for the precedent set by the 2020 dissolution of the Future Forward Party, which received illegal financial backing. He believes this oversight calls for Sawang’s prosecution, drawing attention to potential governance inconsistencies within the election body's decision-making processes.

 

-- 2025-01-23