Thailand’s Election Commission has set up a committee to investigate the conduct of the Progressive Movement, which is accused by political activist Srisuwan Janya of functioning like a political party.
According to Srisuwan, the Progressive Movement’s three leaders, namely Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, Dr. Piyabutr Saengkanokkul and Pannika Wanich, have helped campaign for their members contesting mayoral and council member Provincial Administration Organization elections in several provinces, in violation of Section 111 of the Political Party Act.
If true, the movement would be functioning like a political party, which is against the law, according to Srisuwan.
If found guilty by the court, the trio may face imprisonment for up to three years and/or a maximum fine of 60,000 baht and would be banned from politics for five years.
The trio founded the Progressive Movement to carry out political activities outside parliament, after their Future Forward Party was dissolved by the Constitutional Court.
Moreover, candidates of the movement may have their rights to contest elections suspended or the elections invalidated.
