20 September 2024

Claiming that he is acting independently, but who is a member of the Palang Pracharath party, political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana submitted additional documents to the Election Commission (EC) today (Tuesday), relating to Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s share-holding in iTV.

The serial petitioner also dismissed the suggestion of a conspiracy, to revive the iTV media company in an attempt to block Pita’s quest to become Thailand’s next prime minister.

Earlier, Ruangkrai submitted a complaint to the EC, but it, along with three others submitted by the other individuals demanding the dissolution of Move Forward party, was rejected by the registrar of political parties on the grounds that there was no credible supporting evidence.

Instead, the registrar decided to initiate its own investigation into Pita, for allegedly registering his electoral candidacy despite being aware that he was unqualified to stand in the May 14th election, in violation of Article 151 of the MP election law, an offence which subject to imprisonment and a heavy fine if convicted by the Criminal Court.

Despite the fact that his petition was rejected, Ruangkrai said that he feels the additional documents could be useful to the panel assigned to probe Pita.

He said that the additional documents concern Pita’s transfer of his 42,000 iTV shares to other family heirs on May 25th, the minutes of the iTV shareholder meeting on April 26th and the question raised by a shareholder about whether iTV is still an operating media business.

Ruangkrai has also demanded that Pita declare his assets to the public, adding that he does not believe that the only inheritance from his father were the iTV shares.

He said he is not worried about a complaint filed against him, accusing him of using false documents against Pita.

The serial petitioner claims that he decided to examine Pita’s iTV shareholding after an unnamed source called him and provided him with the evidence.

He also said that more evidence, such as iTV’s financial statements, will be given to the EC.