Bangkok Post: The world windows to Thailand

The Supreme Court’s election cases division ruled on Wednesday morning that Adul Luangboriboon of Chart Thai Pattana party is qualified to run in the Jan 11 by-election.

Mr Adul’s application to contest the by-election was rejected by election officials in Uthai Thani on the ground that he had not been a member of the party for at least 90 days as required by the election law. Mr Adul appealed to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court’s ruling has effectively put Mr Adul back in the race. It also set a precedent for the qualifications of 11 other candidates of the party with the same problem.

The court's ruling represents a big relief for the Democrat-led government whose stability will be at great risk if the Chart Thai Pattana candidates are disqualified to contest the forthcoming poll.