Bangkok: Reserve Senators have submitted a request to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate the ethics of 92 Senators, filing complaints against "Phumtham-Thawee" for alleged collusion in selecting Senators and abuse of legislative power, and have requested the Constitutional Court to order the removal of the Senators from office.
According to Thai News Agency, a group of reserve senators led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Khamrob Panyakaew filed a petition with the NACC to prosecute 92 senators who previously filed a petition accusing Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice and Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation, of collusion in the incorrect selection of senators. Pol. Lt. Gen. Kamrob argued that such a petition represents interference in the work of permanent civil servants and violates Section 185 (1) of the Constitution. Consequently, the reserve senators have approached the NACC to address these serious ethical violations by the politicians involved.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Kamrob emphasized that despite being political officials, Mr. Phumtham and Pol. Col. Thawee hold significant positions as chairman and vice-chairman of the Special Case Committee, equating their work to that of civil servants. He contended that their intervention by filing lawsuits represents misuse of legislative power for personal gain, constituting an offense under Section 185 (1) and potentially Section 111 (7) of the Constitution, which could result in the loss of their senatorial membership due to ethical breaches.
Additionally, Pol. Lt. Gen. Kamrob disclosed their intention to petition the Constitutional Court for a review after an initial dismissal. He expressed hope that the court would expedite the matter and order the 92 senators to cease their duties temporarily, prior to the appointments of independent organizations scheduled for the end of the month.
Regarding the inquiry into an audio clip allegedly involving monetary offers for the selection of a senator in Nakhon Phanom Province, Pol. Lt. Gen. Kamrob indicated a lack of direct possession of the clip. However, he acknowledged that various video clips are under investigation by the Election Commission and the DSI. He clarified that the audio clip in question did not originate from the reserve senators.