Political activist Srisuwan Janya has filed a petition with the Election Commission (EC) seeking an investigation into Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s interviews on the subject of the military during the coup in 2006.
Mr Srisuwan, secretary-general of the Association for the Protection of the Thai Constitution, yesterday asked the EC to review a statement made by Mr Pita on a TV programme hosted by well-known newscaster Sorrayuth Suthassanachinda on April 20.
During the interview, Mr Pita claimed that he missed his father’s funeral as he had been detained by officers after returning to the country during the coup in 2006. Mr Srisuwan alleged the statement was part of a move to defame the military and raise the party’s popularity before the May 14 election.
Mr Srisuwan also brought a video clip in which Mr Pita commented on the incident via a talk show hosted by Surivipa Kultangwattana in 2009.
Mr Pita’s statements in the two video clips appear contradictory, according to Mr Srisuwan. In one, Mr Pita claimed he was a member of a working panel under Somkid Jatusripitak, former economic chief of Thaksin Shinawatra’s government, while he told Surivipa that he was studying in Boston, in the US.
Mr Pita also claimed that he was detained at Don Mueang which meant he could not attend his father’s funeral in time, while he told Surivipa he was questioned by officers for four to five hours and did not miss the funeral.
Mr Srisuwan said many had criticised Mr Pita’s statement, particularly Panpree Phathithanukorn, a member of the Pheu Thai Party’s economic panel and Thailand trade representative in the Thaksin Shinawatra government, who said officers just questioned and then released everyone later.
Therefore, Mr Pita’s interviews could breach Section 73 of the Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives 2018.
The punishment carries a maximum term of 10 years in jail and/or a fine of between 20,000 and 200,000 baht, as well as a ban from politics for at least 20 years.