Pheu Thai Rescued as Election Commission Dismisses Dissolution Bid

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a significant political development, Thailand's Pheu Thai Party has surmounted an attempt to dissolve it, as the Election Commission (EC) decided against pursuing a petition that claimed misconduct in a local electoral matter last year. The matter in question revolved around the party's decision to nominate a controversial candidate embroiled in a corruption case.

 

The petition, instigated by Noparuj Worachitwuthikul, a prominent figure in the political mobilisation group Phirap Khao 2006 ("White Pigeons 2006"), aimed to challenge the party's ethical integrity. It called upon the EC to pressure the ruling party due to its endorsement of Charn Phuangphet in the Pathum Thani provincial administrative organisation (PAO) elections in the previous year.

 

Charn, formerly the chairman of Pathum Thani's PAO, was allegedly embroiled in a corruption investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission at the time of his candidacy. Despite these allegations, Pheu Thai chose him as their candidate, sparking controversy and the eventual petition.

 

Upon review, the Election Commission concluded that there wasn't sufficient evidence to substantiate Noparuj's allegations against Pheu Thai. Consequently, the EC decided not to petition the constitutional court to disband the party under Section 92 of the organic law governing political parties, effectively allowing Pheu Thai to continue its political journey unimpeded.

 

The corruption case at the heart of the controversy saw Charn, along with six others, sentenced to seven and a half years in prison by the Region 1 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in October last year. This decision followed a prolonged investigation into a graft scandal dating back to 2011.

Following the court's ruling, a re-run of the June 30 election for the Pathum Thani PAO was conducted on September 22. The re-election saw Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit Toopkrajang, who had been defeated by Charn in the original result, emerge victorious.

 

The EC's decision to dismiss the dissolution petition comes as a relief to Pheu Thai, allowing the party to refocus on governance without the looming threat of disbandment.

 

Furthermore, this outcome underscores the complexity of political accountability in Thailand's electoral landscape, where legal battles often intertwine with political maneuvers, affecting the nation’s democratic fabric and the public's confidence in its administration.

 

As the dust settles, Pheu Thai continues to tread a cautious path, mindful of the constant scrutiny its actions attract in a politically volatile environment, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-05

 

 

[Geoffggi]

 

An absolute travesty of justice however it was expected as Thaksin appears to have everyone in his pocket

[ikke1959]

Surprise surprise..... with MFP the outcome was totally different, but with Mr Thaksin and cronies, the elite and army in power nothing can happen... Shameful democracy

[KireB]

EC must stand for Extra Corrupt

[Purdey]

Presumably, the candidate was very popular.

[blaze master]

I'm quite shocked. Vexed even.

[hotchilli]

21 hours ago, webfact said:

In a significant political development, Thailand's Pheu Thai Party has surmounted an attempt to dissolve it, as the Election Commission (EC) decided against pursuing a petition that claimed misconduct in a local electoral matter last year. The matter in question revolved around the party's decision to nominate a controversial candidate embroiled in a corruption case

Not surprised.

[dinsdale]

As it is PTP is needed to keep any progressive party out of power. The EC and the CC will ensure this situation continues. "Too Big To Rig" does not apply in Thailand as long as the CC and EC are in place. 

[newbee2022]

What else could have been expected.

Thaksin s influence and money is legend already.🤗

[klauskunkel]

The EC's decision to dismiss the dissolution petition comes as a relief to Pheu Thai, allowing the party to refocus on governance corruption 

without the looming threat of disbandment having to constantly pretend otherwise.