Thailand's poll body to investigate PM frontrunner Pita

FILE PHOTO: Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat waves at a press conference to announce the party's agreement with coalition partners in Bangkok, Thailand May 22, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's prime ministerial frontrunner Pita Limjareonrat will be investigated over whether he was qualified to run in last month's election, a top official said on Monday, in another setback as he battles to win backing for his premiership.

Pita, the 42-year-old leader of the progressive Move Forward party whose election victory stunned Thailand's military-backed establishment, has faced multiple complaints from rivals, three of which the poll body has dismissed for late submission, while four others against the party have been thrown out.