Thai Pakdee Party’s advisory chairman Warong Dechgitvigrom has submitted a petition to the chairman of the Election Commission (EC), demanding an investigation into former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s public statements during campaign rallies in Udon Thani province last week, which, he claims, show that Thaksin is dominating the ruling Pheu Thai party.
Audio of Thaksin’s speeches, delivered on November 13 and 14, were also submitted to the EC for consideration.
In the petition, Dr. Warong claims that Thaksin acted as if he were, directly or indirectly, in control of the decision-making process of the Pheu Thai party, citing the immediate response by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira to Thaksin’s suggestion that 60-year-old Thais, who are not state welfare card holders, should receive a 10,000 baht cash benefit.
He noted that Thaksin’s suggestion, followed by a positive response from the finance minister, could be seen as the party allowing itself to be dominated by the former prime minister, who is not a party member. If so deemed, it would be an offence under the Political Parties Act.
Dr. Warong also cited another statement by Thaksin, made during the campaign rallies, which could constitute an offence under the law on the election of local administrators.
Thaksin is quoted to have told the audience, “Don’t forget me. I am back. Don’t forget to mark Number Two (on the ballot). If you do not know who Number Two is, then mark Thaksin.”
