Santhiya Questions Thaksin’s Dual Citizenship Amid Election Law Concerns.

Bangkok: Sonthiya Sawasdee, a well-known activist, has raised suspicions about former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's citizenship status, questioning whether he holds dual Thai-Montenegrin citizenship. This inquiry could potentially impact local election laws, political parties, and the constitution, which strictly prohibit foreign involvement in elections at any level. Sonthiya has formally requested the Election Commission (EC) to investigate these concerns and has also called for an investigation into allegedly coarse and false campaigning that could invalidate the election of the Adura Provincial Administrative Organization. According to Thai News Agency, Sonthiya submitted a formal letter to the EC to probe Thaksin's role as a campaign assistant for the Pheu Thai Party. Thaksin recently delivered a speech supporting a mayoral candidate in Udon Thani Province, prompting speculation about his nationality status. Sonthiya pointed out that if Thaksin holds Montenegrin nationality, it could violate multi ple legal frameworks, including the Local Council and Local Government Election Act 2019, Section 68. Concerns were heightened by reports of Thaksin purchasing an island in Montenegro, where dual citizenship is prohibited. Sonthiya highlighted that Thaksin's actions might contravene the Political Party Act and the 2017 Constitution, which ban non-Thai nationals from participating in elections at any level. Sonthiya further explained that he reached out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for clarity on Thaksin's citizenship status. However, due to Montenegro's lack of an embassy or consulate in Thailand, he was unable to obtain a definitive answer. Sonthiya plans to submit a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pursue further investigation. In addition to citizenship concerns, Sonthiya criticized Thaksin's campaign rhetoric in Udon Thani, describing it as offensive and potentially false. He reported the matter to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), expecting a response in approximately two w eeks. Sonthiya emphasized that the language used by Thaksin violated others' rights and freedoms, urging the EC to conduct a thorough investigation. This could lead to the invalidation of the Udon Thani Provincial Administrative Organization president's election, given the involvement of the Pheu Thai Party. Sonthiya also revealed plans to question Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra regarding her absence from the closing ceremony with other leaders during the ASEAN Summit in Laos in October. He expressed concerns about the Prime Minister's absence affecting Thailand's dignity and honor, and he intends to seek clarification to reassure the Thai public.