Srisuwarn Files Complaint with Election Commission Seeking to Dissolve Pheu Thai Party Over Posts Allegedly Defaming the Privy Council
A patriotic organization leader filed a complaint with Thailand's Election Commission on May 21, seeking to dissolve the Pheu Thai Party over Facebook posts he claims defame the Privy Council and implicate the Monarchy.
On May 21, 2569, at the Election Commission office, Srisuwarn Charyya, leader of the patriotic organization Rak Chat Rak Plaendin, filed a complaint with the EC and the Political Party Registrar requesting an investigation into the Pheu Thai Party over Facebook posts from May 20 criticizing the government for allegedly risking violations of democratic principles with the Monarchy as head of state.
Srisuwarn stated that while the posts superficially criticize the government, examining the full content reveals they actually target the Privy Council's performance in a manner that could implicate the institution of the Monarchy, potentially questioning whether the council is overstepping into government administration.
Srisuwarn cited the 2017 Constitution Article 6, which clearly states the Monarchy "shall be held in revered and respected position; no one shall defame, accuse or sue the Monarchy in any manner," and Article 10, Section 2, which defines the Privy Council's duty to advise the Monarchy on state affairs. He noted that the Privy Council's participation in a national disaster prevention and mitigation meeting to prepare for the 2569 drought is normal advisory practice, and that the council consists of experienced former military, business, and economic experts whose input benefits the Thai people.
Srisuwarn argued that Pheu Thai's posts, while appearing to criticize the government, actually overstep to implicate the Privy Council's duties, causing widespread social criticism and ideological conflict. He contended this may constitute hostile action against the democratic system with the Monarchy as head of state, potentially disrupting public order and morality, and may violate Article 45 combined with Articles 92(2), (3), (4) of the Political Party Act 2560 and Constitution 2560 Article 101(7) regarding interference in state administration.
Srisuwarn requested the EC and Political Party Registrar investigate the matter and, if violations are found, refer it to the Constitutional Court for consideration of dissolving the party under Constitution 2560 Article 92.
