(New York) – The Thai Constitutional Court's decision to suspend from parliament the leading candidate for prime minister on politically motivated charges is a serious blow to democracy in Thailand , Human Rights Watch said today. The reformist Move Forward Party, led by Pita Limjaroenrat, 42, had secured 151 parliamentary seats, the most votes of any party in the May 14, 2023 election, giving it the right to lead efforts to form a new government. The Constitutional Court on July 19 accepted the Election Commission of Thailand's allegations that Pita violated electoral rules and was unqualified to run for election because he held shares in the iTV media company, even though the company has not broadcast for 15 years and was removed from listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2014.

https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/07/21/thailand-bogus-charges-keep-candidate-top-post

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