EC bans 'TRT 111' from election rallies

The decision came as the People Power Party, which was taken over by former members from the disbanded party, was holding an election rally at Sanam Luang.

The agency reached the decision at its meeting on Friday, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The EC also decided to prohibit those former TRT executives from having their photos taken with election candidates, the source said.

The 111 banned TRT executives, including former party leader and ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, were stripped of their electoral rights in connection with a ruling by the Constitution Tribunal on May 30 that dissolved the TRT. The once ruling party was found to have violated the Political Parties Act.

The People Power Party's rally began at Sanam Luang at about 6 pm.

Deposed premier Thaksin was expected to address his supporters through a video-conference system. However, over an hour after the rally began there were no signs Thaksin's address would be aired.

Key members took on the stage including party leader Samak Sundaravej, Yongyuth Tiyapairat, Surapong Suebwonglee, Chalerm Yoobamrung and Chatuporn Phromphan.

The Nation