Election Commission urged to disband coalition parties over Thaksin influence
Nopparuj Vorachitwutthikun, a former core member of the Phirap Khao (White Dove) 2006 group, submitted a letter at the EC office requesting the commission rule on whether Thaksin's involvement constituted control or domination of the parties' operations, a possible breach of Sections 28 and 29 of the law.
If found guilty, the seven parties — Pheu Thai, Chartthaipattana, Chart Pattana, Democrat, Kla Tham, United Thai Nation, and Prachachat — could face dissolution under Sections 92 and 93 of the constitution.
Mr Nopparuj cited recent events including visits by key political figures to Thaksin's Chan Song La residence and an audio clip that led to the Constitutional Court suspending Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin's daughter, from performing her duties.
Mr Nopparuj said the seven parties reportedly formed an alliance and held meetings at the Rosewood Hotel, which is linked to the Shinawatra family, raising serious concerns. The hotel is also sometimes used for meetings of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, he added.
Statements made by Thaksin in interviews, social media posts, and public speeches could indicate that he has been influencing or directing political decisions within Pheu Thai, Mr Nopparuj said.
He also questioned whether comments Thaksin made about the Thai-Cambodian border conflict could be interpreted as threatening national security.
He further accused the seven coalition parties of failing to restrain Thaksin's actions, and instead appearing to support him, particularly through the party's executive board and cabinet ministers.
Mr Nopparuj urged the EC to consider the matter seriously, saying the rule of law must be upheld.
In a related development, the final hearing in Thaksin's legal case concerning his controversial stay in a premium ward on the 14th floor of the Police General Hospital is scheduled for Wednesday.
The defence will call former deputy prime minister Wissanu Krea-ngam as its sole witness. The court has so far heard 30 witnesses over six hearings and is expected to set a date today to deliver its ruling.
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