Photo courtesy of Observer Voice

 

In a dramatic twist to the ongoing saga of Thai politics, a complaint was filed with the Election Commission (EC) seeking the dissolution of seven major political parties. The complaint, lodged by political activist Nopparuj Vorachitwutthikun, accuses these parties of allowing interference by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, potentially breaching the nation's organic law on political parties.

 

Nopparuj, with a history of political activism, submitted his request at the EC office, urging an investigation into whether Thaksin’s alleged involvement equates to control over these parties—violating Sections 28 and 29 of the law. Should these allegations be substantiated, parties including Pheu Thai, Democrat, and Prachachat could face dissolution under constitutional sections 92 and 93.

 

Central to Nopparuj's complaint are claims that prominent figures from these parties have visited Thaksin’s residence, Chan Song La, in Bangkok. Furthermore, a leaked call allegedly linked to the temporary suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, has intensified scrutiny.

 

Nopparuj also highlights meetings reportedly held at the Rosewood Hotel, a venue tied to the Shinawatra family, which has served as a frequent gathering spot for the ruling Pheu Thai Party. These incidents have raised alarms about Thaksin’s potential influence over party affairs.

 

Nopparuj argues that Thaksin’s public statements in interviews and social media suggest an exertion of influence, particularly in Pheu Thai. His comments on issues such as the Thai-Cambodian border conflict have further prompted concerns about national security.

 

Nopparuj accuses the involved parties of failing to limit Thaksin's influence, suggesting that instead of curtailing his activities, party officials—including executives and Cabinet ministers—appear to support him. He stresses the importance of the EC’s intervention to uphold legal integrity.

 

This follows separate developments in Thaksin’s legal controversies. Today, the final hearing concerning his stay in a premium ward at the Police General Hospital takes place. Former Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam is set to testify as the defence’s key witness. This marks the conclusion of a series of hearings, with a ruling date anticipated soon.

 

Political observers eagerly await the EC’s response, as potential party dissolutions could significantly disrupt Thailand’s political landscape, affecting governance and party dynamics. Meanwhile, conversion of political power remains a critical watchpoint, with many questioning how these proceedings could reshape alliances and electoral strategies across the nation.

 

The financial implications and political ripple effects from dissolving major parties are immense, as parties face not only reputational damage but also substantial financial ramifications, with potential losses converting into billions of Thai baht.

 

As Thailand navigates these turbulent political waters, the resilience of its democratic institutions and legal frameworks is set to be tested again. The unfolding events underscore the complex and often contentious intersection of law, politics, and influence in the country.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-30

 

 

Just call another election and be done with it too many pigs in the trough

Pheu Thai and its partners have caused much more damage than Move Forward did with Pita. However with the devil in their midst they thought they were untouchable.. Happily it is not so and I hope all the MP and ministers will be banned too for 10 years or a life time....

Interesting. There's a chance that this could actually happen but no to usher in fresh elections but the military under the guise of a caretaker government. A soft coup d'état. Just a thought.

1 hour ago, ikke1959 said:

Pheu Thai and its partners have caused much more damage than Move Forward did with Pita.

What damage did MFP and Pita do. Trying to reform anchronistic lese majeste laws and a corrupt bloated army that holds the strings of power?

Could be good news if it happens, but have my doubts.  Lets wait & see if all can celebrate

Dissolving Nopparuj Vorachitwutthikun ?

9 hours ago, dinsdale said:

What damage did MFP and Pita do. Trying to reform anchronistic lese majeste laws and a corrupt bloated army that holds the strings of power?

Indeed they did nothing, but had plans.... And see what Pheu Thai is doing... They bring the country to the edge, while MFP wanted to reform for a better country, but than the army and elite would loose power and that was/is not done....The biggest mistake ever made is banning the MFP

Bright future for Thailand then ???

Maybe not.

I'm afraid the army would step in .

12 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Bright future for Thailand then ???

Maybe not.

I'm afraid the army would step in .

If these parties are disbanded I don’t think that the military will directly step in.  After these parties are gone the only ones left will be the pro-military parties with leaders that were in government after the last coup.  The result will be that the military will control the government without actively start coup.

4 minutes ago, statman78 said:

If these parties are disbanded I don’t think that the military will directly step in.  After these parties are gone the only ones left will be the pro-military parties with leaders that were in government after the last coup.  The result will be that the military will control the government without actively start coup.

They will name a PM, a General again. Actually, they have to to prevent people's party to gain power 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Nopparuj accuses the involved parties of failing to limit Thaksin's influence, suggesting that instead of curtailing his activities, party officials—including executives and Cabinet ministers—appear to support him. He stresses the importance of the EC’s intervention to uphold legal integrity.

Interesting that he is the only one bringing these cases.

It's not that Thaksin is particularly clandestine in going about influencing all and sundry.

15 hours ago, ozz1 said:

Just call another election and be done with it too many pigs in the trough

 

An election will not solve this issue, other than possibly lowering the PTP numbers.

 

The problem with all these mini parties of 1 or 2 is that they are there only because of money and influence in specific areas.  They represent one area each.  BJT is an example. Look at where it wins, it is the same places every time  

 

I have no issue with the system, it is what it is, and is not much different than CDN American or any western country.  Consider Canada has a party called the Bloc Québécois that is representative of the province of Quebec and only has the best interests of Québécois. 

 

Labour parties used to be solely representative of working factory workers until they got too big for their own good.

15 hours ago, ozz1 said:

Just call another election and be done with it too many pigs in the trough

90% of them are pigs, that's the issue.

Kick out one lots another moves in.

54 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

90% of them are pigs, that's the issue.

Kick out one lots another moves in.

Sorry, your maths is wrong. 100% are pigs, and the rest are wannabee pigs.

13 hours ago, JAG said:

Dissolving Nopparuj Vorachitwutthikun ?

 

That won't help, he raises good points and folks should listen to him. 

Don't be fooled, this activist doesn't want a democracy, he wants to return to Thailand pre-1932.

19 minutes ago, Grusa said:

Sorry, your maths is wrong. 100% are pigs, and the rest are wannabee pigs.

There are some good politicians out there who want to move the country in the right direction.

Not get into power for self enrichment like the incumbent clan 

12 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

There are some good politicians out there who want to move the country in the right direction.

Not get into power for self enrichment like the incumbent clan 

In my view, the only good politician is a dead politician. What they were before they became politicians is moot.

It's all set up with the Cambodian thing and this so that we can have another coup!

2 minutes ago, Grusa said:

In my view, the only good politician is a dead politician.

So how do you propose to run this country? or any other?

1 minute ago, mfd101 said:

So how do you propose to run this country? or any other?

 

A necessary evil, but its best if the people pick the least evil, not the most evil.

32 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

A necessary evil, but its best if the people pick the least evil, not the most evil.

The problem is that perfectly intelligent, honest and reasonable people can have different views on the way forward in the mind-bogglingly complex affairs of a nation-state or a province or a city. And to make headway people have to do deals with others (unless you prefer a dictatorship à la Hun Sen). And the deals inevitably involve calculations about who's up who and who hasn't paid ...

 

Noone has invented anything better as yet.

2 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

The problem is that perfectly intelligent, honest and reasonable people can have different views on the way forward in the mind-bogglingly complex affairs of a nation-state or a province or a city. And to make headway people have to do deals with others (unless you prefer a dictatorship à la Hun Sen). And the deals inevitably involve calculations about who's up who and who hasn't paid ...

 

Noone has invented anything better as yet.

 

Yup, we have to take the good with the bad, hopefully not too much bad. 

2 hours ago, Grusa said:

What they were before they became politicians is moot.

Sons & daughters or siblings of politicians is my guess.

4 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

I'm afraid the army would step in

Did it ever step out?

disbanding parties has very little effect -unless you are stealing the vote- look how many incarnations Pheu Thai has had. They just rebrand 

29 minutes ago, Srikcir said:

Did it ever step out?

Pretend to do

20 hours ago, ozz1 said:

Just call another election and be done with it too many pigs in the trough

 That should be too many old Ex politicians, old existing politicians and too many Army General pigs in the trough.

4 hours ago, hotchilli said:

There are some good politicians out there who want to move the country in the right direction.

Not get into power for self enrichment like the incumbent clan 

True but they have to bypass the existing corrupt senate which is made up of army generals. That's the hard part!