The Constitution Court on Wednesday accepted for consideration two separate petitions filed by Pheu Thai and Democrat MPs, each seeking the removal of MPs of the rival party, court spokesman Pimol Thampithakpong said.
The first petition was filed by 83 Pheu Thai MPs led by Justice Minister Pracha Promnok asking the Constitution Court's to rule whether Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Democrat Party leader, and Warong Dejkitwikrom, a Democrat MP for Phitsanulok had lost their House membership under Sections 91, 106(6), and 266(1) of the constitution for ordering the Phitsanulok governor to give them 500 survival kit bags issued by the Energy Ministry.
The two then distributed the bags to flood-hit people in Phitsanulok. This was an interference in the work of state officials, the petition alleged.
The second petition was filed by 153 Democrat MPs led by Mr Abhisit, asking the Constitution Court to rule whether eight Pheu Thai MPs had lost their parliamentary status for using their positions to interfere in the management of flood relief supplies by state officials.
The eight MPs are Pol Gen Pracha Promnok, Karun Hosakul, Surachart Thienthong, Vorachai Hema, Tanusak Lek-uthai, Charupong Ruangsuwan, Vicharn Minchainant, and Jirayu Huangsap.
Mr Pimol said the court judges met today to consider the petitions and decided to take them for consideration since they met all requirements stated in the constitution.
