BANGKOK – Thailand’s constitutional court today ordered a temporary suspension of prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat as an MP.
The court decision came after it accepted a case against the 42-year-old Pita alleging he was ineligible to run for office because he held shares in a media company when he registered his candidacy for the general election last May 14.
Pita was due to contest a parliamentary second vote on the prime ministership today.
In a statement, the court said it has considered the facts in the petition and supporting documents.
“The judges unanimously agreed to accept the case filed by the Election Commission.
“The court voted seven to two to suspend Pita as a member of parliament from today until the court renders a ruling,” the statement said.
Pita has 15 days to submit an explanation to defend himself.
It was not immediately obvious from the court’s announcement if legislators would be allowed to vote on Pita’s nomination today.
Parliament is still debating whether Pita may be renominated for the position of prime minister.
Following the constitutional court’s ruling, MFP supporters gathered in front of the Parliament building to demonstrate their outrage.
Pita’s initial effort to secure the support of more than half of the 749-member bicameral Parliament failed on July 13.
Pita was the lone candidate for prime minister, however, he only earned 324 votes, while 199 people abstained and 182 voted against him.
Only 705 members were present for the meeting. The remaining 249 senators either voted against Pita or abstained, leaving just 13 senators – one of whom resigned on Wednesday – in his favour.
On Saturday. Pita said he would concede to the Pheu Thai Party if he failed again to garner the required support in the second vote. – Bernama, July 19, 2023
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