BANGKOK, July 12 — Thai prime ministerial hopeful Pita Limjaroenrat was dealt a major setback when two separate charges against him gained traction, a day before the Parliament is set to vote for a new prime minister.
The charges could jeopardize the Move Forward Party (MFP) leader’s chances of becoming the next prime minister.
The Constitutional Court has accepted a charge alleging that Pita and the MFP attempted to amend the lèse-majesté law, which amounted to an attempt ‘to overthrow the democratic regime of government with the king as a head of state’.
Pita and MFP have 15 days to submit their defence to the Constitutional Court.
Earlier today, the Election Commission (EC) recommended the Constitutional Court to disqualify Pita as an MP, following allegations he held shares in a media company when he contested in the May 14 General Election. The Election Act prohibits anyone who owns media shares from running for office.
Meanwhile, Pita said he will be at the Parliament tomorrow for the voting, as well as answering questions during the debate before the vote.
He also questioned the timing of the EC’s recommendation to suspend and disqualify him, a day before the prime ministerial vote.
“This is a bit rushed… I feel I have not been treated fairly,” Pita said.
He added that his party’s proposal to amend Article 112 of the Criminal Code is not an attempt to undermine the monarchy.
In less than 24 hours before the vote for the new prime minister, Democrat Party announced that the party’s MPs would not back Pita due to MFP’s plans to amend Article 112. The 25 MPs will abstain from voting.
Following EC’s decision as well as the Constitution Court’s announcement, MFP supporters gathered in Bangkok this evening urging the senators to vote for Pita as Prime Minister tomorrow, in accordance with the wishes of the majority of voters.
In order to avoid supporters gathering outside the Parliament, the Metropolitan Police Bureau has announced that no public gatherings will be permitted within a 50-meter radius of the Parliament building at Samsen Road in Dusit district from Wednesday to Saturday (July 12 To July 15).
— Bernama
