Thailand's PM frontrunner Pita faces election probe

Bangkok [Thailand], June 13: Thailand's prime ministerial frontrunner Pita Limjaroenrat will be investigated over whether he was qualified to run in last month's election, a senior official has said, in another setback as he battles to win backing for his premiership.
Pita, the 42-year-old leader of the progressive Move Forward Party whose election victory stunned Thailand's military-backed establishment, has faced multiple complaints from rivals, three of which the poll body has dismissed for late submission, while four others against the party have been thrown out.
But Pita is by no means in the clear, with Thailand's Election Commission looking into whether he was knowingly unfit to register as a parliamentary candidate because of his ownership of shares in a media firm, which is prohibited under election rules.
Pita says he inherited the shares in the ITV television station, which has not broadcast since 2007, from his father. He says the shares in the firm, ITV, have since been transferred.
The candidate denies any wrongdoing and the party says it is not worried about the allegations. He faces disqualification, up to 10 years in jail and 20 years banned from politics if found in violation.
"There is sufficient information and evidence to warrant further investigation into whether Mr Pita is qualified to run in the election," Election Commission Chairman IttipornBoonpracong told the AFP news agency.
Source: Qatar Tribune