Pita can return to the House right away: Senior official

AFTER the Constitutional Court passed an 8 to 1 verdict clearing former Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat of having violated election regulations over holding just 00.0035% shares in non-operating ITV channel thus allowing him continue as an MP, a senior House of Representative official said he could return right away, Amarin TV said today (Jan 24).

Pol. Lt. Col. Apat Sukhanan, secretary-general of the House of Representatives, said Pita could come to work as usual because the court had not terminated his position as an MP, just suspended it.

Asked whether the House would have to wait for a written notice from the court before Pita could return, Apat said this is an administrative matter with the court’s verdict considered effective from when it was read out.

Pita can come in and sign to attend House meetings immediately and will be given back pay for the duration he was suspended starting July 19, 2023, he added.

Questioned outside the court whether he has been asked to again become Move Forward Party leader, with Chaithawat Tulathon currently at the party’s helm, Pita replied, “this issue has not come up yet.”

However, he mentioned today’s verdict is unlikely to lead to changes in the lineup of the party’s executive committee because this panel’s term has been set for four years.

On the court warning him to not express an opinion on this case, Pita said he was always careful and had been previously warned by the court after having asked to postpone hearings twice with this being due to a need for thorough preparation.

Pita added that he is now going to focus on the hardship of the people and the country’s potential for growth while continuing as proactive opposition party.

He also mentioned that he will be coming to hear the Constitutional Court’s verdict on a lawsuit against Move Forward over its policy to amend the lese majeste law on Jan. 31.

CAPTION:

Former Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat surrounded by supporters at the Constitutional Court after the verdict was passed today. Photos: Naewna