Thai Election Commission orders dissolution of ruling party

Bangkok (Thailand), Apr.13 (ANI): Thailand's Election Commission has reportedly ordered the dissolution of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's Democrat party over charges of encouraging illegal donations.

The electoral commission's ruling relates to a donation of 258 million Baht (five million pounds) from cement manufacturer TPI Polene in 2005 when Vejjajiva was the deputy leader of the Democrats. Donations are limited to 10 million Baht (200,000 pounds).

According to The Guardian, Vejjajiva, is under increasing pressure to resign in the wake of this latest disclosure.

The decision - which comes days after the worst political violence in a generation - is a blow to the beleaguered Vejjajiva, and further complicates Thailand's fragile political situation.

After just 16 months in office, the prime minister is facing calls to stand down. Military leaders, who had supported Abhisit, are now calling for fresh elections.

The dissolution decision must be approved by the attorney general before going to the constitutional court for a final adjudication.

Party spokesman Buranaj Smutharaks said the ruling would be challenged. "We know about the EC's decision, but the case is not over yet."

Diplomatic sources told The Guardian it is likely to be months before the court process is extinguished.

"But this is a significant development, coming right now, this just makes things worse for Abhisit, harder for him to hold on," said one foreign diplomat. (ANI)