Opposition Leader's Fate Unclear Ahead Of Weekend Election

Two days before Thailand's general election it remains unclear if Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat will be allowed to run amid allegations that he illegally owns shares in a media company.

• Earlier this week, a candidate for the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission (EC), asking the body to determine if Pita violated Thailand's strict electoral regulations.
• The PPRP candidate subsequently asked the EC if all MFP candidates should be disqualified from politics if Pita is found guilty, citing the party's internal regulations which prohibit activities banned under Section 98 of the constitution.
• Election Commission Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee said that the body may struggle to complete its investigation by the Election Day. However, the probe can be completed after the poll and will not affect the announcement of results.
• Pita has gained in popularity in the final stages of the election campaign, with the latest opinion polls suggesting that he surpassed Pheu Thai's Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the most preferred candidate for Prime Minister.