Thailand’s Constitutional Court could also take up a case on Wednesday on whether Pita, 42, should be disqualified from parliament entirely for owning shares in a media company, prohibited for MPs under the Thai constitution.
Pita, who made his fortune in a family-run agrifood business, has said the shares were inherited from his father. The station has not broadcast since 2007.
He said on Monday he was unfazed by the Constitutional Court case against him the same day as he submits himself to another parliamentary vote.
“It does not affect my candidacy for prime minister,” he said.
The court has also agreed to hear a case alleging that the MFP’s campaign promises to amend the royal defamation laws are tantamount to a plan to “overthrow” the constitutional monarchy.
The roadblocks thrown in front of Pita’s candidacy have dismayed supporters eager for progressive reforms after nine years of army-backed rule that followed a 2014 coup.
“What I would like to see is for the senators to respect our votes,” retail worker Preaw Roengsart, 28, told AFP Sunday at a small Bangkok rally for the party.
“I feel like this is it for us. If we don’t come out and speak now our voice will forever be silenced.”
The case has drawn international attention, including from Washington.
“We are very closely watching the post-election developments. That includes the recent developments in the legal system, which are of concern,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters, making clear the United States has no preferred outcome in the Thai election.
“We believe this moment is an opportunity for Thailand to demonstrate its commitment to democracy,” he added.