Thailand’s Election Commission says a reformist candidate for prime minister may have broken the law

By JINATAMAS SAKSORNCHAI and GRANT PECK
Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Election Commission says there is evidence that the top candidate to become the country’s next prime minister, a reformist with strong backing among progressive young voters, violated election law. It referred his case to the Constitutional Court for a ruling. The commission’s decision includes a request that the court order Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat suspended as a member of Parliament until the ruling is issued. Pita can still be nominated on Thursday when Parliament meets to vote for a new prime minister. But the commission’s move raises new doubts about whether he can muster enough votes to get the post, already a struggle because of Thailand’s deep political divisions.