BANGKOK: Academics are urging the Election Commission to assess whether Thaksin Shinawatra is exerting leadership over Pheu Thai and its allied parties, following a controversial meeting at Chan Song La after Settha Thavisin’s removal from the prime minister position.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, a law lecturer at Thammasat University, highlighted the necessity for the Election Commission (EC) to investigate claims that Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister without current party membership, is leading the Pheu Thai Party and six coalition parties. The EC has received six petitions demanding the dissolution of these parties, alleging that they have allowed Thaksin’s influence. Mr. Prinya noted that the EC has found the petitions to have merit and has initiated an investigation. The situation arose after the Constitutional Court’s ruling led to Settha Thavisin’s dismissal as prime minister, prompting Thaksin to convene a coalition meeting at his residence to discuss the pot
ential successor. This unprecedented scenario is being scrutinized under the Political Parties Act of 2017.
Mr. Prinya further explained the complexity of the situation, questioning whether Thaksin’s actions constituted dominance or leadership over the parties. The EC has already accepted the petition, and the critical decision now is whether the EC will bring the case to the Constitutional Court or employ Section 93 to allow Pheu Thai to present its defense first. The principle of allowing the party to clarify before taking action is emphasized, with the need to demonstrate that Pheu Thai is not under undue control or influence.
“The terms control and dominate may be straightforward to prove, but their broad definitions require careful consideration by the EC and the Constitutional Court,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prinya stated. The legal interpretation of Thaksin’s invitation as guidance or political maneuvering will determine whether it undermines the independence of the party and its members.
Moreover, Mr. Pri
nya indicated the need to observe the EC’s next steps, especially concerning the timing of the Pheu Thai Party’s opportunity to clarify its position. The legal proceedings could extend to the Constitutional Court, where a separate petition seeks to halt Thaksin’s and Pheu Thai’s alleged actions against the constitutional monarchy. This petition, based on Article 49, focuses on stopping the alleged actions rather than dissolving the party, raising questions about the EC’s next move.
Mr. Prinya concluded by stressing the importance of thorough investigation before taking further legal actions, either through the EC’s inquiry or a direct petition to the Constitutional Court. The outcome remains uncertain, with the potential implications for the party’s future and the broader political landscape.