Increased Complaints Against Prime Minister and Pheu Thai Party

Activists have lodged fresh complaints against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party concerning a controversial party held in Pathum Thani province in June, along with the mini-heart gesture she displayed during a formal photograph in full-dress uniform.

Noparuj Worachitwuthikul visited the Office of the Election Commission, questioning whether there are grounds to disband the Pheu Thai Party for allegedly breaching election regulations. These laws specifically prohibit organizing gatherings to support any candidates.

The complaint centers around a celebration for the ordination of the Thanyaburi district mayor’s son, which took place on June 8. Both Prime Minister Paetongtarn and her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, attended the event at the tambon Thanyaburi municipal office.

This gathering occurred prior to the election for the Pathum Thani provincial administration chairman on June 30, where a Pheu Thai candidate, Charn Phuangphet, emerged victorious. Following this, the Election Commission has mandated a re-run of the election.

Additionally, Ruangkrai Leekitwatana from the Palang Pracharath Party has requested the Election Commission to investigate if ethical violations occurred by Ms. Paetongtarn, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroogruangkit, for their mini-heart gestures while in full-dress uniform during the September 7 photo session.

Leekitwatana has previously submitted a similar petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Pheu Thai’s PM’s Office Minister Chousak Sirinil stated that the party’s legal team will respond to what he called frivolous complaints, asserting that such allegations distract cabinet ministers from their important responsibilities. He emphasized that ministers found guilty of serious corruption should be stripped of their positions.