Thailand’s Election Commission has unanimously dismissed three official complaints against Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, who was accused of holding 42,000 shares in iTV, a media company. The complaints were filed by various individuals, including serial litigant Ruangkrai Leekitwattana.
The announcement comes just a day after the prospective PM’s visit to Phuket to congratulate Move Forward party members for winning all three districts on the island.
But the EC says that the complaints were submitted after the prescribed time limits and therefore could not be considered.
Despite dismissing the complaints, the EC acknowledged that there were factual and behavioral aspects in the allegations that warranted further investigation. The commission indicated that it would probe whether Pita was aware of his disqualification to run for the election when he registered his candidacy. Such awareness, if proven, would violate Sections 42(3) and 154 of the MP Election Act.
Pita, in response to the developments, informed the media that he had not yet received any official notification from the EC regarding its ruling. Drawing a parallel with his predecessor and former leader of the now defunct Future Forward party, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, Pita stated that both of them faced accusations of owning shares in media companies.
However, Pita expressed confidence that his situation would not mirror Thanathorn’s fate. Thanathorn had his parliamentary status revoked and was banned from participating in politics. Pita asserted his willingness to undergo scrutiny both before entering and upon leaving politics, emphasizing his openness to examination and accountability.
