44 former members of the Move Forward Party (MFP) are currently under investigation for their involvement in a proposal to amend the royal defamation law, which has sparked controversy and raised questions about ethics in politics. This move comes after the Constitutional Court ruled that the MFP’s proposal was an attempt to undermine the monarchy, leading to the dissolution of the party and the banning of its executive members.
The investigation was initiated following a complaint filed by lawyer Theerayut Suwankesorn, who questioned whether the MFP’s actions were aimed at destabilizing the democratic regime with the King as the head of state. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is currently gathering evidence and facts to determine the validity of these claims.
NACC Secretary-General Niwatchai Kasemmongkol stated that proposing to amend the royal defamation law could be considered a serious violation of ethical conduct under the Criminal Code. If the NACC finds enough evidence to support the allegations, the case will be escalated to the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions.
If found guilty, the 44 MPs could face a lifetime ban from participating in future elections, similar to former MP Pannikar Wanich from the MFP’s predecessor, the Future Forward Party. Pannikar was previously banned from politics for life due to a picture she posted online 13 years ago, which was deemed disrespectful to the monarchy.
This investigation highlights the importance of upholding ethical standards in politics and the severe consequences that lawmakers could face if found to be in violation. It also raises questions about the balance between freedom of expression and respecting the institution of the monarchy in Thailand’s political landscape.