Move Forward Party Leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, has been suspended from his duties as a Member of Parliament.
The Constitutional Court made this decision in light of an ongoing investigation into his eligibility to hold office. The investigation stems from his ownership of 42,000 iTV shares.
The Election Commission (EC) has stated that Pita may not meet the requirements for holding office due to his ownership of media shares, which is prohibited by the charter for political officeholders. As a result, the EC has requested the court to rule on Pita’s eligibility in this matter.
The court has given Pita a 15-day deadline to provide a statement clarifying the allegations against him. There is no verdict yet.
Pita has previously argued that he holds the shares in iTV as an administrator of his father’s inheritance. Additionally, he claims that iTV ceased broadcasting in 2007.
In June, iTV itself clarified that it is no longer involved in the media business.
However, critics contend that although iTV may have stopped broadcasting, it has continued to generate income from other sectors within the media industry.
Even if he is suspended, it does not mean he cannot be nominated for the position of Prime Minister. According to the charter, a Prime Minister does not have to be a Member of Parliament.
[Correction] The previous version of the article erroneously stated that the decision was unanimous. However, it should be clarified that the vote was 7-2.