24-6-2023 (BANGKOK) Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), may face further obstacles in his quest to become the next prime minister, as a Senate panel has initiated an inquiry into issues pertaining to his declaration of assets and debts. This development could potentially impact his qualifications and sway more senators against voting for him in parliament.
Senator Seree Suwanpanont, who serves as the chairman of the Senate committee on political development and public participation, announced on Friday that the committee had commenced a comprehensive investigation into Mr. Pita’s qualifications and his eligibility to participate in the May 14 election.
“The committee is currently seeking information from relevant agencies, particularly in relation to Mr. Pita’s assets and debts, which are directly linked to his qualifications,” stated Mr. Seree.
On June 8, Mr. Seree revealed that political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a member of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), had submitted a petition to the Election Commission (EC) requesting an examination of whether a piece of land owned by Mr. Pita in Pran Buri district, Prachuap Khiri Khan, is an asset inherited from his late father, who passed away in 2006.
Furthermore, Mr. Ruangkrai urged the poll agency to obtain information from the National Anti-Corruption Commission regarding Mr. Pita’s declaration of assets and debts, which would aid in the investigation, according to Mr. Seree.
Sources indicate that the latest issue surrounding Mr. Pita revolves around Oil For Life Co, a business operated by his family. Mr. Pita served as an executive at the company from October 5, 2006, to March 6, 2017. The company currently carries a loan debt of 460 million baht and has filed for rehabilitation with the Central Bankruptcy Court following legal action taken by several financial institutions, who are creditors seeking debt repayment.
Mr. Seree also noted that while 20 senators had expressed their support for a prime ministerial candidate from the party that secured the most seats in the election, most of them did not specifically mention Mr. Pita’s name. Additionally, it has come to his attention that some senators who initially voiced support for Mr. Pita have since had a change of heart.
In parallel, the EC is conducting an investigation into Mr. Pita’s alleged ineligibility to participate in the election due to his ownership of shares in iTV Plc at the time. Critics argue that iTV is an operating media company, making Mr. Pita’s candidacy questionable. Mr. Pita has denied these allegations, asserting that he merely served as the executor of the family’s inherited shares.
Thitichet Nuchanart, a member of the EC, confirmed that iTV executives and Mr. Pita would be summoned for questioning. He added that the EC would carefully examine additional evidence, including records from iTV’s most recent shareholder meeting and transcribed minutes. Controversy has arisen over inconsistencies between the official minutes and a video recording of the meeting held on April 26, raising doubts about iTV’s status as an operational media company.
To conduct a thorough investigation, the EC will also require more information regarding Mr. Pita’s assets declaration, which was submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
In response to critical senators, Pol Maj Gen Supisarn Bhakdinaruenart, an MFP list-MP, stated that the party’s executives had instructed members to refrain from engaging with them. However, he expressed optimism that discussions were
