MFP Faces Intensifying "Lawfare" Against Its Bid To Form New Government

The Move Forward Party (MFP), which came first in the recent general election, continues to fight against several complaints to the Election Commission (EC) which could potentially lead to the disqualification of its MPs. The Thai Enquirer reports that the EC has launched an investigation into allegations that MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat has applied for office despite being aware that he did not meet the qualifications. Such action would be a violation of Article 151 of the election law, which carries a long prison sentence. According to the Thai Enquirer, the EC decided that it does not yet have sufficient evidence and asked relevant officials to present more details at the next meeting of the election body.

• Separately, the EC sent a letter to the MFP leader noting that the party could be investigated for the presence of a hammer and sickle on one of its election posters, which could be interpreted as opposition to the constitutional monarchy. The MFP reportedly clarified that the posters promoted candidates from the labour sector and said that it was facing "lawfare" against its efforts to lead the new government.
• Another complaint came from serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya, who wrote to the National Alcohol Policy Committee accusing Pita of illegally advertising alcohol. The complaint came on the back of Pita's TV interview, during which the MFP leader said he preferred a local alcohol brand. Breaching the law prohibiting alcohol advertisements could entail a one-year prison sentence.
• A wave of complaints is hindering efforts by a coalition of eight pro-democracy parties to form the new administration following their sweeping victory in the recent general election. The alliance's strategy has been to press ahead with preparations for the transition of power as they seek to pressure enough members of the military-appointed Senate to back Pita's PM bid.