Pattaya News – “Thailand’s Anti-Corruption Commission Targets 44 Former Move Forward MPs Linked to Lese Majeste Reform Pledge”

Bangkok

Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has determined that 44 former Members of Parliament from the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP), many of whom are now prominent members and leaders of the People’s Party that took what some called a shocking general election loss yesterday, committed serious ethical violations by proposing amendments to Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly known as the lèse-majesté law, during their 2023 election campaign.

The NACC voted to substantiate the case against the former lawmakers, who were accused of breaching or failing to comply with severe ethical standards. The commission has decided to forward the matter to the Supreme Court for further proceedings.

If the Supreme Court accepts the case, any of the accused individuals currently holding political office would be required to immediately suspend their duties. A guilty verdict could result in a lifetime ban from participating in politics or holding public office.

The 44 former MFP MPs include several prominent figures now affiliated with the People’s Party (@PPLEThai), the successor to the dissolved Move Forward Party, including party leader Nattaphong Ruengpanyawut. The ruling stems from their joint signature on a legislative package in February 2021, led by then-MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat, which sought to amend Section 112 alongside other bills designed at protecting freedom of expression and justice rights.

Section 112 criminalizes perceived insults to the Thai monarchy, with penalties of up to 15 years in prison per offense. The MFP’s campaign promise to reform the law was a key plank of its platform in the May 2023 general election, where the party secured the most seats but was prevented from forming a government. The party moved away from any promises to reform the law in the recent election, hoping to avoid more polarizing and controversial issues and appeal to a more moderate base.

The case builds on prior judicial actions. In January 2024, Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled that the MFP’s push to amend Section 112 amounted to an attempt to undermine the constitutional monarchy. This led to an order for the party to cease such efforts. In August 2024, the court dissolved the Move Forward Party entirely and imposed 10-year political bans on its executives, whose non executives then became the current People’s Party.

The NACC investigation originated from complaints citing the Constitutional Court’s findings, alleging intentional ethical breaches by the MPs who endorsed the reform proposal.

The decision comes amid ongoing political tensions in Thailand, where progressive parties advocating institutional reforms have faced repeated legal challenges. The People’s Party has emerged as a major opposition force, even with its recent election loss, but this latest development could significantly impact its leadership and parliamentary representation.

The NACC also stated that its actions followed standard procedures and timelines, denying any political motivations behind the timing of the ruling, only one day after the general election. The Supreme Court will now review the case file before deciding whether to proceed.