Vasana's move came on the eve of a landmark decision by public prosecutors on whether to pursue a separate case against the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party on the same charge.

EC secretary-general Ekachai Warunprapa disclosed that Vasana, in his capacity as the political party registrar, sent the recommendation to the OAG yesterday evening. In the report, the EC chief said the Democrat Party was found to have violated Article 66 of the Political Party Act, which outlines grounds for a political party to be dissolved, according to Ekachai.

The legal provision states that a political party faces dissolution by the Constitution Court for acting to overthrow the country's democracy, acting in opposition to democracy or threatening national security or social orderliness and peace.

Vasana earlier yesterday declined to answer a question as to whether he had forwarded the case, filed by the ruling party, to the OAG. He said to ask the OAG about the matter.

Vasana also refused to confirm news report he would resign before the election on October 15, saying people would see when the time came.

Meanwhile, the Democrat's legal team led by former Chumphon MP Suwaroj Palang, went to the EC to ask for the commission's report of all meetings held from March 20 to May 8, so they can be used as evidence in the case the party has filed against the EC.

Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban accused the EC of malfeasance for allowing new candidates to contest the election on April 25.

The Criminal Court will hold the first hearing of the plaintiff's witnesses on July 3.

Atthayuth Butrsripoom

The Nation