Thailand’s PM frontrunner Pita faces election commission probe

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.