BANGKOK, May 24 (TNA) – Future Forward leader Thanathorn
Juangroongruangkit attended the official opening of the parliament on Friday
after confusion over his status following a court ruling.
The Constitutional Court accepted a petition seeking
disqualification of Thanathorn on Thursday.
While pending court decision, the Election Commission also asked the
court to bar Thanathorn from performing his duty as MP, due to possible
complications. 
Discrepancies over legal interpretation of the court’s
ruling caused confusion about whether Thanathorn was able to attend the
ceremonial opening of parliament on Friday.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam Friday morning clarified that
Thanathorn was able to attend but his attendance at the separate lower house
session on Saturday must be decided by acting House speaker.
However, Thanathorn should not be able to vote in the
opening session to select lower house speaker and deputies, said Wissanu.
The outspoken businessman-turned-politician arrived at the
opening of parliament with other MPs of his party. He said he would heed the acting house
speaker’s instruction.
Thanathorn has been accused of violating the Constitution by
owning shares of a media company, in violation of the charter. The Election Commission last week requested
the court to rule on the matter after receiving complaints from activists.
The leader Future Forward Party also faces over a dozen of
allegations after leading this new party to win 80 seats in the lower house to
become the third largest party.
The Constitution Court has not set a date for hearing or
handing down verdict on Thanathorn’s media company case. He could lose his MP seat and also face a
jail term of up to 10 years if found guilty. (TNA)
