Court suspends Thailand's progressive leader | News

Nathan Rivera

19/07/2023

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Thailand's Constitutional Court has suspended parliamentarian Pita Limjaroenrat, who could face up to 10 years in prison and 20 years of political disqualification, as his congressional rivals successfully frustrated his election as prime minister.

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The court announced that Pita had been suspended as a lawmaker on an allegation that he violated election rules by holding shares in a media company, making his second case against him in six days.

The complaint, raised last week by the Electoral Commission, focuses on 42,000 titles of the iTV channel, which represent 0.0035% of the total shares of this chain closed in 2007, which the politician administered as part of the family trust after the death of his father in 2006.



Under Thai law, members of parliament are prohibited from owning shares in media companies.

Pita, leader of the Move Forward party, which prevailed in the May 14 elections, who was educated in the United States (USA), was emerging as prime minister after the surprise victory of his political party.

However, in a first vote last Thursday, the candidate failed to reach a simple majority in the bicameral vote, mainly due to the blockade of the Senate.

The suspension does not prevent Pita from running for prime minister, but it was not immediately clear if his eight-party alliance would seek to re-nominate him, submitting a different motion.

A joint session on Wednesday debated whether Pita could be nominated for a second time, and Speaker of the House Wan Muhamad Noor Matha put the issue to a vote.

A motion to deny him a second chance passed by a vote of 395 to 312 with eight abstentions. The Parliament meeting then adjourned with no immediate indication of when it would next vote on a new prime minister.

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Nathan Rivera
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Nathan Rivera, a dedicated journalist who has had the privilege of writing for the online newspaper Today90. My journey in the world of journalism has been a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and passion.

My story began with a relentless thirst for knowledge and an innate curiosity about the events shaping our world. I graduated with honors in Investigative Journalism from a renowned university, laying the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career in the field.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. I refuse to settle for superficial answers or preconceived narratives. Instead, I constantly challenge the status quo, delving deep into complex issues to reveal the reality beneath the surface. My dedication to investigative journalism has uncovered numerous scandals and shed light on issues others might prefer to ignore.

I am also a staunch advocate for press freedom. I have tirelessly fought to protect the rights of journalists and have faced significant challenges in my quest to inform the public truthfully and without constraints. My courage in defending these principles serves as an example to all who believe in the power of journalism to change the world.

Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for my outstanding work in journalism. My investigations have changed policies, exposed corruption, and given a voice to those who had none. My commitment to truth and justice makes me a beacon of hope in a world where misinformation often prevails.

At Today90, I continue to be a driving force behind journalistic excellence. My tireless dedication to fair and accurate reporting is an invaluable asset to the editorial team. My biography is a living testament to the importance of journalism in our society and a reminder that a dedicated journalist can make a difference in the world.

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