Bangkok – In a dramatic escalation of Thailand’s political crisis, Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a member of the Palang Pracharath Party, has officially called on the Election Commission (EC) to dissolve the Pheu Thai Party. The petition follows the historic ruling of the Constitutional Court on August 29, which removed Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office as prime minister.
Legal Justification:
“Hostility toward democracy”
In his petition submitted via EMS, Ruangkrai argues that the ruling provides sufficient grounds for a dissolution under the Political Parties Act of 2017. Specifically, he refers to Section 92 (2), which penalizes actions deemed “hostile to the democratic regime with the King as Head of State”. Ruangkrai draws parallels to the dissolution of the Thai Raksa Chart Party in 2019 and sees this as a clear precedent.
Procedural question:
Election Commission under pressure
The politician insists that the Election Commission should treat the Constitutional Court’s ruling as a binding basis for dissolution proceedings. Normally, under Section 93, an instruction to the party registrar would be required, but Ruangkrai argues that the EC can bypass this step because of the existing judicial decision.
This incident could profoundly reshape Thailand’s political landscape. If the Election Commission approves the petition and the Constitutional Court rules in favor of dissolution, it would be a devastating blow to the party. Political observers warn of a deepening polarization in society and a weakening of democratic institutions.
Historical Precedent:
Thai Raksa Chart as a Cautionary Example
The situation is strikingly reminiscent of the dissolution of the Thai Raksa Chart Party in 2019, when it nominated Princess Ubolratana as candidate for the office of Prime Minister. The Constitutional Court deemed this nomination incompatible with the constitutional order and immediately disbanded the party. Ruangkrai sees a similar pattern of unconstitutional behavior in Pheu Thai’s actions.
The entire political nation is now watching closely for the decision of the Election Commission. Should the EC approve the petition, the case would once again go before the Constitutional Court. Political tensions in the country are palpable, as the potential dissolution of one of the largest parties could have long-term consequences for Thailand’s democratic framework.