Noppharut Presents New Evidence to Prosecute Thaksin Over Pheu Thai Influence.

Bangkok: Mr. Noppharut Worachitwuttikul, a former leader of the White Pigeon 2006 group, has submitted additional evidence to the Election Commission (EC) in a bid to prosecute former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The submission includes transcripts of a speech delivered by Thaksin in Udon Thani, which allegedly demonstrates his dominance over the Pheu Thai Party. Noppharut has challenged Thaksin to take the matter to court after facing criticism, asserting that Thai people should not be insulted and likening them to tigers. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Noppharut's submission follows a previous petition to dissolve six political parties that had met with Thaksin at his residence in Chan Song La. The new evidence, consisting of Thaksin's campaign speech transcripts, suggests that Thaksin exerted influence over the Pheu Thai Party during a campaign for the Udon Thani Provincial Administrative Organization president. Noppharut claims that Thaksin's involvement in the campaign and his influence on par ty decisions are illegal and demonstrate negligence on the part of the Pheu Thai Party. Mr. Noppharut highlighted that Thaksin's involvement included proposing policies not previously mentioned in the party's campaign, such as a 700 baht minimum wage. The former Prime Minister's actions, he argues, indicate an attempt to influence government policy and demonstrate his control over the party. Noppharut criticized the Pheu Thai Party for not preventing Thaksin's involvement, suggesting that the party's committee, including Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra and Secretary-General Surawong Thienthong, tacitly agreed to Thaksin's actions. In a passionate statement, Mr. Noppharut emphasized the importance of the rule of law and democracy in Thailand, challenging Thaksin's alleged dominance over the Pheu Thai Party. He urged those who doubted his claims to take an oath at significant Thai cultural sites, affirming that his actions were in defense of democratic principles and equality. He insisted that the evid ence against Thaksin was substantial and that he was prepared to defend his position in court, emphasizing that all actions must comply with the law.