Thailand's ruling Democrat Party survived a legal challenge today that could have seen it dissolved and a new government formed after the Constitutional Court dismissed a charge that it misused an election fund.
The court ruled the case brought by the Election Commission had not followed proper legal procedure - a point the party stressed in its defense. The ruling was likely to meet widespread criticism that the court applied double standards, as previous verdicts have run against the Democrats' political opponents.
If found guilty by the court, the party could have been disbanded and about 40 of its executives - including the prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva - banned from politics for five years, forcing the formation of a new government.
The Election Commission accused the ruling party of spending some of a 29 million (Dh3,331,000) baht government fund without proper approval during the 2005 election campaign. Mr Abhisit served as the party's deputy leader when the alleged incident took place.
Thailand's turbulent politics puts unusual pressure on the Constitutional Court. The country has been polarized since 2006, when the then-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted by a military coup. The divisions have led to deadly violence.
Demonstrations by so-called Red Shirt supporters of Thaksin led to bloodshed in the streets of Bangkok last May with about 90 people killed and more than 1,400 wounded before the protests were crushed by the army.
Thaksin and his supporters have complained of double standards within the legal system. Thaksin's opponents, known as the Yellow Shirts, have yet to be prosecuted for occupying the prime minister's office for three months and taking over Bangkok's two airports for a week.
Mr Abhisit's two predecessors - both Thaksin allies - were removed from office by court decisions.
Mr Abhisit's government came to power in December 2008, when it attracted support from enough lawmakers from other parties to cobble together a governing coalition. Political opponents claim it came to power illegitimately, and the pro-Thaksin Red Shirts have sought early elections. The government's term expires in December 2011.
The Democrats also face another case involving a donation of 258 million baht ($8.1 million) from a petrochemical conglomerate that is expected to be heard next year.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Fighter profiles
Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)
Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.
Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)
Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.
Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)
Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.
Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)
One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.
Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)
Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.
Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)
Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
England v South Africa schedule:
- First Test: At Lord's, England won by 219 runs
- Second Test: July 14-18, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 2pm
- Third Test: The Oval, London, July 27-31, 2pm
- Fourth Test: Old Trafford, Manchester, August 4-8
Cricket World Cup League Two
Teams
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Namibia beat Oman by 52 runs
UAE beat Namibia by eight wickets
Fixtures
Saturday January 11 - UAE v Oman
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The Details
Kabir Singh
Produced by: Cinestaan Studios, T-Series
Directed by: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Suresh Oberoi, Soham Majumdar, Arjun Pahwa
Rating: 2.5/5
'Joker'
Directed by: Todd Phillips
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix
Rating: Five out of five stars