Phew! Thai party faces petition peril over Thaksin ties

A dramatic political twist erupted as a petition emerged demanding the dissolution of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, with claims of undue influence from former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. The party itself has made the explosive allegations.

The Election Commission (EC) confirmed it is merging four petitions against Pheu Thai, alleging that the party is under Thaksin’s sway, despite him not being a member. The Political Parties Act prohibits any external influence, raising the stakes for potential party dissolution.

The EC is now investigating whether there’s enough evidence to back these serious claims. Should they find the evidence compelling, the case will be escalated to the Constitutional Court for a ruling on the possible disbandment of the party.

The petitions were filed by a mix of political figures, including an anonymous individual, Warong Dechgitvigrom, chairman of the Thai Pakdee Party, Ruangkrai Leekitwattana from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), and Noppharut Worachitwutthikun, a former leader of the Phirap Khao 2006 political group. They’ve requested the EC to investigate not only Pheu Thai but also five other parties due to Thaksin’s alleged unlawful influence.

Key allegations include a controversial policy statement presented to Parliament, which supposedly echoes Thaksin’s earlier proposals. Central to the accusations is a meeting at the 75 year old Thaksin’s Bangkok residence on the very day Srettha Thavisin was dismissed as prime minister.

Among the coalition parties named in the petitions are the Bhumjaithai Party, United Thai Nation Party, PPRP, Chartthaipattana Party, and Prachachart Party. Srettha was ousted by the Constitutional Court on August 14 for appointing Pichit Chuenban, an ex-convict, as PM’s Office Minister, breaching the law.

During that fateful August 14 meeting, coalition leaders and Thaksin discussed possible replacements for Srettha, ultimately settling on Chaikasem Nitisiri. Ruangkrai, one of the petitioners, is affiliated with PPRP, a coalition partner in the previous Srettha administration. Despite party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon’s absence from the meeting, petitioners are keen for the EC to investigate if a representative was sent in his stead.

Following Paetongtarn’s rise to the premiership, PPRP was ousted from the coalition due to internal strife. One faction, led by former PPRP Secretary-General Captain Thamanat Prompow, opted to stay with the government, while Gen Prawit’s faction joined the opposition, reported Bangkok Post.

Pheu Thai has accused Gen Prawit’s faction of betrayal, allegedly motivated by ambitions to challenge Paetongtarn for the premiership. Thaksin remains a respected figure within Pheu Thai.

Sorawong Thienthong, Pheu Thai’s secretary-general, addressed the situation yesterday, October 20, pinpointing the source of the attempts to undermine the party.

“It’s clear as day. All this kicked off once we ceased our dealings with this party (PPRP).”

Sorawong was responding to questions about whether Ruangkrai’s petition was a politically motivated act following PPRP’s exclusion from the cabinet.

He asserted that Pheu Thai is focused on countering the petitions, claiming they possess solid evidence to refute the allegations.

“People can see through the motives behind these petitions.”

Pheu Thai list MP Anusorn Iamsa-ard denied any claim of Thaksin’s dominance over the party but acknowledged the EC’s responsibility to investigate the allegations.

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