Bangkok: Forty-Four Ex-MPs Indicted, Defying Lese Majeste Law
BANGKOK—In a move sparking debate about legislative freedom in Thailand, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) indicted 44 former members of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP) for alleged ethical breaches. The charges relate to the party’s sponsorship of a bill to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese majeste law, which criminalizes insults against the monarchy. This highlights ongoing tensions surrounding royal defamation.
The NACC alleges serious ethical misconduct by the former MPs, including Rangsiman Rome, now a member of the People’s Party. Summoned by the NACC, Mr. Rome expressed bewilderment and criticism on social media. He argued that proposing legislative amendments is a core parliamentary duty, and no law prohibits such action regarding Section 112. He highlighted the irony of a commission facing credibility issues investigating elected officials for exercising their legislative prerogatives, questioning the NACC’s perceived double standard—the swift prosecution of opposition figures versus the slow investigation of those in power.
The NACC letter, signed by Commissioner Witthaya Akhompitak, chair of the investigation committee, instructed Mr. Rome and the other 44 former MFP MPs to appear and respond to allegations. The commission asserts it has sufficient evidence to substantiate the charges. Mr. Rome further noted the MFP duly submitted its policy proposals, including the Section 112 amendment, to the Election Commission, demonstrating transparency and adherence to legal frameworks.
Adding complexity, Karom Phonphonklang, a former MP of both the Future Forward Party and the MFP, and current deputy government spokesman, stated his non-involvement in the amendment proposal due to his exclusion from party activities after joining the MFP. However, he opposes amending the lese majeste law, arguing that Sections 326 and 328 of the Criminal Code already protect individuals, and Section 112 is crucial for safeguarding the monarchy from direct and indirect criticism, emphasizing its importance for national stability. Despite past disagreements with former colleagues, Mr. Phonphonklang cautioned against unchecked power, refraining from direct criticism.
This case has far-reaching implications for Thailand’s political landscape, raising fundamental questions about the balance between freedom of expression, the legislature’s role, and the protection of established institutions. The NACC’s actions will face intense scrutiny, with observers monitoring for political motivation or selective enforcement. The outcome will significantly influence future legislative reform debates and the scope of the lese majeste law, potentially shaping Thai politics for years to come.
