PUBLISHED: 24 Sep 2024 at 04: 00
Social activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana reiterated his visit for the Election Commission to look into whether Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra had legitimately resigned from her roles in 20 of the family’s business dynasty before being elected.
He claimed that the EC should check whether Ms. Paetongtarn resigned as an administrative in organizations with ties to her home in accordance with the rules set out by the Department of Business Development.
He warned that if she resigns from private companies, she could be fired because it goes against Part 187 of the law, which forbids officials from holding more than 5 % of stock in a professional business or working for a private corporation.
The political activist claimed that he also looked into Deputy Interior Minister Sabida Thais ‘ departure following her appointment’s session.
He said Ms Sabida, girl of former deputy interior minister Chada Thaised, appeared to have followed the processes stipulated by the Department of Business Development, which raised more questions about Ms Paetongtarn’s situation.
According to Mr. Ruangkrai, he reaffirmed that he was acting in accordance with Articles 41 and 50 of the Constitution and that he often complied with public-private organizations ‘ decisions.
Mr. Ruangkrai, who questioned the prime minister’s standing late last month, petitioned the ballot organization to inquire about her departure from positions in the family-linked companies.
Ms. Paetongtarn was succeeded by Srettha Thavisin, who was dismissed by the Constitutional Court, as prime minister by the House of Representatives on August 16.
Mr. Ruangkrai requested that the EC investigate whether Ms. Paetongtarn had formally resigned from all of her professional positions within the family’s businesses by August 15 and, if so, why never, until August 19 when she was elected.
He claimed that Ms. Paetongtarn requested a near aide to manage the records on her behalf on August 15. She sent a letter on that date. The Department of Business Development received the documents on August 19.
According to Mr. Ruangkrai, Ms. Paetongtarn gave her secretary the power to do this only one day after the Constitutional Court ruled to remove Mr. Srettha from business.