Opposition demands probe into NACC’s Prawit asset case
Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has requested that House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha initiate an investigation into the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s (NACC) handling of several prominent malfeasance cases.
The opposition is particularly concerned about the decision by five NACC members to terminate a fact-finding mission into the actions of former Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan.
Prawit was accused of failing to submit an asset declaration, as required by law when he assumed office. While serving in Prayut Chan-o-cha’s Cabinet, he was alleged to have omitted at least 22 luxury watches and rings from his asset declaration.
Prawit claimed the watches were loans and that he inherited the rings from his mother.
Although the NACC conducted an investigation, five commission members voted to end it. This decision prompted a lawsuit in the Administrative Court, which ordered the NACC to release the investigation details to the public.
While a report was provided to an activist who requested it, the document was heavily redacted. Natthaphong asserted that the NACC’s nine commissioners should also face investigation for malfeasance, as they disregarded the court’s directive.
Additionally, the opposition seeks an inquiry into the ethical conduct of newly appointed NACC President, Suchart Trakulkasemsuk, with potential calls for his removal.
Earlier this month, a leaked social media clip captured a conversation between Suchart and Wan discussing the election of the NACC president and whether a complaint filed against Suchart by former deputy police chief Police General Surachate Hakparn aka Big Joke, could impact his nomination.
Critics have suggested that this conversation might breach ethical standards, reported Bangkok Post.
The petition, supported by 144 members of Parliament, 143 from the People’s Party, one from the Fair Party, and a senator, was submitted to the House speaker, accompanied by 18 pieces of evidence yesterday, February 27.
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