Pita Limjaroenrat, the charismatic chief adviser to the Move Forward Party, waved enthusiastically to supporters as he made his way to the party’s bustling headquarters in Bangkok on Wednesday. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
In a dramatic turn of events, a thorough investigation is now underway into the ethical conduct of 44 politicians from the recently dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP). These politicians threw their support behind a controversial bill aiming to revise the country’s lese majeste law. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) confirmed on Thursday that there are sufficient grounds to proceed, launching an inquiry into these members of parliament.
NACC Secretary-General Niwatchai Kasemmongkol unveiled that the commission has initiated this probe following a petition from February. The petition, submitted by lawyer Theerayut Suwankesorn, urged the Constitutional Court to halt all MFP campaign activities related to their efforts to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code. This appeal was grounded in a ruling by the Constitutional Court on January 31, which declared that the MFP’s endeavors to alter the lese majeste law were tantamount to an attempt to destabilize the constitutional monarchy.
Mr. Niwatchai elaborated that NACC investigators are meticulously collecting statements and amassing evidence to serve the ongoing investigation. Once this phase is complete, the 44 implicated MPs will be summoned to address and clarify the allegations against them. “Using the Constitutional Court ruling alone [as a basis for the investigation] won’t be fair to the accused,” he wisely noted.
NACC member Ekkawit Watchawalkhu chimed in, emphasizing that the inquiry process must be thorough and cannot be hurried. He reassured that the accused will be granted the opportunity to present their defense. All aspects, both factual and legal, will be considered, Ekkawit added, with the Constitutional Court ruling playing a pivotal role in the proceedings.
On Thursday, lawyer Theerayut announced his intention to submit the details of the August 7 ruling against the MFP to the NACC in the upcoming week to bolster the investigation.
This court ruling binds all agencies legally, and if the NACC determines that the 44 MPs are indeed at fault, the case will be forwarded to the Supreme Court for Holders of Political Positions. Should they be found guilty, these MPs could face severe consequences, including being barred from participating in future elections.
Adding to the urgency, political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana sent an immediate letter on Thursday, urging the NACC to expedite the case against the 44 politicians to the Supreme Court. He asserted that the Constitutional Court’s rulings provide ample evidence, suggesting that a prolonged investigation by the NACC might not be necessary.
I don’t understand why people would want to change the lese majeste law. Isn’t it there to protect national unity?
The need to revise the lese majeste law comes from its use as a tool to curb free speech. It is way too restrictive.
But don’t you think some level of respect for the monarchy is necessary to maintain stability? Countries need some form of national cohesion.
Respect should be earned, not enforced by draconian laws. Modern democracies thrive on open dialogue, not suppression.
I see your point, but if everyone says whatever they want, it could lead to chaos. Balance is key.
This move to investigate MFP MPs feels like a witch hunt to suppress political opposition.
Well, the court did say their actions were destabilizing. It’s not just about silencing opponents.
But who decides what’s ‘destabilizing’? Sounds like an excuse to me.
Exactly! It’s a slippery slope when the government starts censoring political ideas under the guise of stability.
It’s high time the lese majeste law was reformed! Modern Thailand deserves better.
Tell that to the people who have been imprisoned for speaking their minds.
Thailand needs to move into the 21st century. The world is watching us.
Can someone explain why this law is so controversial? I’m genuinely curious.
It’s controversial because it criminalizes speaking against the monarchy, which many believe stifles freedom of expression.
It has been used to jail activists and political opponents. That’s why people are upset.
Thanks, I had no idea it was that serious. Seems pretty harsh.
Interesting how this bill and subsequent investigation are timing out just before elections. Coincidence? I think not.
You’re probably right. It seems politically motivated to me too.
Isn’t everything in politics about timing? They all play the same game.
Will the NACC really be impartial in this investigation? I’m skeptical, given the importance of the monarchy in Thai society.
Fair point. The whole system seems rigged in favor of preserving the status quo.
Sometimes skepticism is necessary, but let’s give the process a chance before condemning it.
Whether you agree or disagree with the lese majeste law, it’s crucial that accused MPs get a fair investigation.
Absolutely, fair investigation is key. But knowing how these things go, who knows if it’ll actually be fair?
True, we need transparent and unbiased oversight. Otherwise, it’s just another power play.
Revising laws is part of progress. Clinging to outdated legislation only holds us back.
Politicians are always getting caught up in controversies, this is no different. Just another day in politics.
Hopefully, the MPs can clear their names if they did nothing wrong.
Sure, but if they broke the law, they should face the consequences. This isn’t about character, it’s about legality.
Freedom of speech is fundamental. Silencing opposition through legal means is just plain wrong.
It’s not that simple. Freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences, especially when national security is at stake.
National security is often used as an excuse to silence dissent. It’s a delicate balance, but leaning too much on security stifles progress.
Anyone else worried that this investigation could lead to more political unrest in Thailand?
Definitely. It seems like things are heating up politically.
Political unrest is almost a given. This investigation could make things worse before they get better.
There’s too much emphasis on maintaining the status quo. We need bold leaders willing to push the envelope.
Why fix something that isn’t broken? The lese majeste law has been around for a long time for a reason.
Hoping the truth comes out, no matter what side you’re on. Transparency is key.
Laws should evolve with society. Holding onto the past won’t help us move forward.