The Election Commission (EC) agreed today to consider a petition seeking the dissolution of the Pheu Thai party, for allowing Thaksin Shinawatra, an outsider, to control the party.
EC Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee stated in a press conference that the Commission found the complaint to have merit and will set up an investigative panel.
The investigation is expected to conclude in 30 days, but it may be extended for up to 30 days at a time until it is completed.
Sources said the five other parties that faced investigations were the Bhumjaithai Party, United Thai Nation Party, Palang Pracharath Party, Chartthaipattana Party and Prachachart Party.
The complaint was filed on August 19 and the petitioner, who requested anonymity, claims that Pheu Thai has, on several occasions, allowed a non-member to direct the party’s activities.
The party’s core members have treated Thaksin’s input as important and have acknowledged his leadership role in various media interviews.
Furthermore, the party’s executive permitted a video clip, in which Thaksin provides instructions on the duties of Pheu Thai members, to be shown at this year’s annual general meeting.
This clearly demonstrates, it is alleged, that Pheu Thai is allowing an outsider to influence the party’s activities, which contravenes the Constitution as it pertains to political parties.
The EC is asked to submit the case to the Constitutional Court and to seek the dissolution of Pheu Thai.
