EC to needle Thaksin ‘ effect’ on parties
The Election Commission’s (EC ) decision to investigate allegations that the ruling Pheu Thai Party and five coalition partners had allegedly allowed a non-member to exert influence on a prime minister shrugged off.
The complaints concerned the gathering of influential Pheu Thai, Bumjaithai, United Thai Nation ( UTN), Palang Pracharath ( PPRP ), Chartthaipattana, and Prachachat parties at former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s residence in Bangkok on the day Srettha Thavisin was fired as prime minister.
The Constitutional Court dismissed Mr Srettha on Aug 14 for appointing Pichit Chuenban, an ex-convict, as PM’s Office Minister in violation of the law. Later that evening, important members of the six events met to discuss Mr Srettha’s leader.
The six parties were accused of allowing Thaksin, an outsider, to impose unlawful control, thus violating the Political Parties Act, an crime punishable by gathering dissolution.
Before deciding Chaikasem Nitisiri may take the position, coalition parties and Thaksin discussed potential alternatives for Mr. Srettha at the Aug. 14 meet.
Nevertheless, the following morning, Pheu Thai executives convened an urgent gathering and voted for Ms. Paetongtarn to become their primary minister. This resulted in her winning the legislative seat.
When asked about the EC’s research, Ms Paetongtarn, who is also the ruling party president, said on Monday that she was never worried about the situation.
Chousak Sirinil, the party’s deputy president, said the group had now clarified the matter and would take it up when it came up with a response on Monday.
He claimed that the group’s executives and those in charge of gathering affairs had no way of exercising their judgment at the meeting on August 14 because the allegations of unlawful interference were unrelated to the meeting.
When questioned about the rising number of complaints, many of which lacked a justification, and whether preventative measures should be put in place, he said the scenario would serve as a justification for a review of the contract and natural laws.
He claimed that there are laws in place already that hold those who file bogus accusations accountable. He argued that issues for party dissolution will continue to be made unless the whole process is improved.
According to Mr. Chousak, the choices of the relevant public-private organizations determine whether Pheu Thai will pursue legal action against those who made the charges.
Phumtham Wechayachai, a key member of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, expressed no worries about the issues, saying the group and the alliance would let the operation take its course.
He claimed, however, that during her first month in office, Ms. Paetongtarn and her state faced numerous problems. He expressed his hope that the government, which is attempting to revive the economy, wo n’t become incumbered by the situation.
Mr. Phumtham stated that the group would stand up for the accusations and that it had no problems as long as the procedure was transparent and open.
Anutin Charnvirakul, the group’s head, stated on Monday that the group’s executive must approve all of its decisions.
He claimed the prime minister hosted the colloquial meal, and that the coalition party leader had to choose the topics to discuss. The first of these groups since Ms. Paetongtarn’s election took place on Monday at a motel in Bangkok. Before the supper was served, Ms. Paetongtarn was audible talking about mobile cabinet meetings.
The EC may make a decision on whether to investigate or ask the Constitutional Court to break the political parties, according to Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, a law professor at Thammasat University.