Bangkok: Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister, has not yet met the criteria for removal from her position as Pheu Thai Party leader, according to recent statements by the Election Commission (EC) Secretary-General. The Supreme Court and the party's executive committee are yet to determine whether the EC will intervene in the political party's internal activities.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sawaeng Boonmee, the Secretary-General of the Election Commission, discussed the situation concerning Ms. Paethongtarn, who was found guilty of serious ethics violations by the Constitutional Court. The question arises whether this affects her role as the leader of the Pheu Thai Party. Mr. Boonmee highlighted that the party leader must be a party member and a member of the executive committee, and he has not yet reviewed the Constitutional Court's ruling on the matter.
Mr. Boonmee outlined two scenarios that could lead to the removal of a person from the party leadership position: being removed by the party's ethics committee or losing party membership. The latter scenario would require a ruling from the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, as a decision from the Constitutional Court does not fulfill this requirement.
Mr. Sa-nguan further mentioned that resignation from the party's executive board is a personal decision, although legal procedures must be followed. The Election Commission cannot interfere with the party's internal decisions, and the Supreme Court has not yet issued a ruling on the matter.
When questioned about his role as the registrar of political parties, Mr. Sa-wang stated that he reviews party regulations to ensure compliance with the law but does not manage the party's activities. The removal of party members or executive committee members is an internal matter, and any legal breaches would lead to complaints from party members.
"The main point is that, in principle, it may be over, but what awaits is someone to dictate the process. Resigning from the House of Representatives requires waiting for the Constitutional Court to rule, even though we already know. As long as the ethics issue doesn't go through the Supreme Court or the party's executive committee, nothing will be done," added Mr. Sa-nguan.