Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam has addressed concerns surrounding allegations against Prime Ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat regarding his alleged share ownership in a media company. These claims have raised questions about his eligibility to become the next Prime Minister, potentially necessitating by-elections. DPM Wissanu explained that the possibility of such elections would depend on the technicalities of the claims.
Petitions have been submitted to the Election Commission (EC) regarding Mr. Pita’s ownership of shares in the firm that operated the now-defunct TV station iTV. It is widely anticipated that the EC will refer these claims to the Constitutional Court for a ruling. Mr. Pita, who leads the Move Forward Party (MFP), is the subject of these allegations.
DPM Wissanu further clarified that if the petitions reference Mr. Pita’s endorsement of MFP members and MP candidates, it could result in the disqualification of MPs-elect from the MFP and subsequent by-elections.
However, he stated that if the claims solely pertain to Mr. Pita’s eligibility as an MP, he could still become Prime Minister, as the law does not require the Prime Minister to be chosen exclusively from among parliamentary members. In such a scenario, Mr. Pita could potentially assume the role of Prime Minister.
Regarding these developments, Mr. Pita himself has stated that the MFP is prepared with responses for various scenarios, emphasizing that there is sufficient time to address and clarify these matters.
