Election Commission Secretary Receives Petition to Dissolve Pheu Thai Party, Emphasizes Need to Examine Facts

On May 26, 2025, at TK Palace Hotel, Sawaeng Boonmee, secretary of the Election Commission (EC), addressed a petition filed seeking to dissolve the Pheu Thai Party (Pheu Thai). The petition was prompted by comments and interviews from Nattapong Ruangpanyawit, the party's leader, regarding drought mitigation efforts in ways that reportedly alluded to the monarchy and government. The petitioner argued this may violate political party laws and constitute actions hostile to democratic governance.

Sawaeng stated that the matter is currently in administrative processing and must determine whether the statements constitute legal violations. The party dissolution petition process begins with the Political Party Registrar gathering factual evidence. He could not specify how long the review would take, as the petition was just submitted and requires careful consideration.

When asked if a special subcommittee would be established, Sawaeng noted that the EC currently has over 10 party dissolution cases under review. Each new case undergoes preliminary fact-checking to determine if it warrants consideration before being forwarded to the existing fact-checking committee.

Regarding whether Nattapong's actions constitute sedition and whether the EC would apply Constitutional Court standards in preliminary review, Sawaeng said he had not yet reviewed the factual details and would not comment on those issues, as they involve legal questions. He emphasized the EC follows standard procedures for all parties equally.

Sawaeng also reported progress on the Senate election fraud case, stating the EC is reviewing information submitted by its office and expects to bring the matter to a full commission meeting by early next month. Once the case enters the meeting agenda, the 90-day legal deadline for the EC's action begins.