Bangkok (AP) — Thailand’s Election Commission has recommended the leader of a major political party opposed to military rule be barred from taking his seat in the soon-to-be-convened parliament because he is accused of violating electoral rules by holding shares in a media company.
The commission announced Thursday that it judged Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit of the Future Forward party had violated the law and was passing its findings to the Constitutional Court for a ruling.
Future Forward stressed its opposition to military interference in politics ahead of its surprise third place finish in the March 24 general election.
Speaking at a news conference shortly after the commission’s announcement, Thanathorn tried to assure his followers that he would survive the challenge.
“We are not at risk,” he said. “Even the Election Commission is too afraid to make the ruling themselves. We are confident that with the truth and the evidence that we have, that this matter shouldn’t affect my candidacy.”
Thanathorn’s party has said it would support the bid of the Pheu Thai party, which won the most seats in the lower house, to form the next government. Palang Pracharath, which came in second, is also trying to put together a ruling coalition.
On Thursday, however, Thanathorn said that Future Forward might try to lead a majority coalition.
“Future Forward party is ready to be the government,” he said, adding that he has spoken with some other parties about blocking the military’s efforts to keep its allies in power.
 |
 |
