NACC to decide on charges for 44 former MPs over lese-majeste
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is expected to decide in the next two months regarding potential charges against 44 former MPs of the defunct Move Forward Party, who supported a proposal to amend the lese-majeste law.
Currently, 39 of the accused serve as MPs for the People’s Party, established in August last year after the Constitutional Court dissolved Move Forward for promoting changes to Section 112 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to royal defamation.
The NACC is investigating whether these MPs’ support for the proposal breached ethical standards required of elected officials, a violation that could result in a lifetime political ban.
NACC Secretary General Sarote Phuengramphan stated yesterday, February 5, that the investigative team is collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining documents to determine if the investigation should proceed.
Should the investigation advance, the former MPs will be informed of the charges to allow them to present their defence.
Conversely, if no further action is taken, the investigation will be closed. Sarote noted that the committee’s findings will be submitted to the NACC for review, likely within the two-month timeframe.
The inquiry was initiated following a petition filed by lawyer Theerayut Suwankesorn, who requested that the Constitutional Court halt Move Forward’s campaigns to amend Section 112.
The petition referenced the court’s January 31 ruling, which indicated that seeking changes to Section 112 posed a risk to the constitutional monarchy.
Should the NACC determine that the 44 MPs acted improperly, the matter will be referred to the Supreme Court for Holders of Political Positions. If found guilty, these MPs could lose their positions and face disqualification from future elections, reported Bangkok Post.
In similar news, Thai politician Rukchanok Srinork successfully retained her bail status amid ongoing legal proceedings under the Computer Crime Act and Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
The Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road ruled against revoking her bail, despite charges of lese-majeste. Rukchanok, also known as Ice, serves as a Bangkok MP for the People’s Party.
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