Ruling Party Faces New Threat of Dissolution
PUBLISHED: 11 Sep 2024 at 13:53
The ruling Pheu Thai party is facing a renewed threat of dissolution. Thai Pakdee Party chairman Warong Dechgitvigrom has formally requested the Election Commission to investigate allegations that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra illegally controls the party.
Dr. Warong filed his petition at the Election Commission on Wednesday, accusing Thaksin of exerting undue influence over party operations and decision-making.
Under the Organic Act on Political Parties, it is illegal for a political party to be influenced by non-members. Any violation could result in the dissolution of the party.
Dr. Warong cited an incident on August 14, where Thaksin reportedly hosted key coalition figures, including Pheu Thai members, at his residence to discuss the formation of the new government following the recent ousting of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
No significant opposition from the involved parties regarding this meeting was reported, according to Dr. Warong.
On August 20, Thaksin publicly advised that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra should not take on the defense portfolio, describing it as a burdensome task. He also mentioned that while he does not dominate his daughter, he has the right to offer her advice, which Dr. Warong criticized as inappropriate to share publicly.
Furthermore, Thaksin’s comments regarding the potential inclusion of the Democrat Party in the government coalition were brought to light, where he emphasized the need for additional votes to ensure legislative success.
Dr. Warong indicated that Pheu Thai later extended an invitation to the Democrat Party to join the coalition, which followed his complaint targeting Thaksin and his influence over Pheu Thai.
This latest development marks another chapter in the history of political challenges faced by Thaksin, who founded the Thai Rak Thai Party in 1998. That party was dissolved in 2007, and many members transitioned to the People’s Power Party, which subsequently faced similar dissolution in 2008. The current Pheu Thai party, established in 2007, is now led by Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
