Thai court set to rule on fate of ruling party

Party could be disbanded if found guilty by Constitutional Court

BANGKOK-Thailand's oldest political party fought for its life on Monday as a court prepared to deliver a verdict in a case that could see the ruling Democrat Party dissolved and the prime minister banned from politics.

Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai delivered a closing argument seeking an acquittal with the party accused by the Election Commission of misusing 29 million baht ($960,000) of a government fund allotted for political parties. The court indicated it would give a verdict later in the day.