Bangkok: The opposition coalition has received a letter from a people's network urging MPs to sign a petition requesting the Supreme Court to appoint a committee to investigate the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
According to Thai News Agency, the letter was delivered today at the Parliament building by the Network of Students and People for Thailand's Reform. Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives, alongside Mr. Sathit Wongnongteuy from the Democrat Party, Mr. Warong Dechgitvigrom from the Thai Bhakdi Party, and Pol. Gen. Seripisut Temiyaves from the Seri Ruam Thai Party, received the letter. The network urged the opposition to expedite the process of collecting signatures from MPs to petition the President of the Parliament to ask the Supreme Court to appoint an investigative committee to examine the NACC.
The Constitution permits MPs to request the President of the Supreme Court to establish an independent panel to scrutinize the NACC's performance. The recent case of Mr. Saksayam Chidchob, highlighted by a detailed 50-page court ruling, has drawn significant public attention and questioning. Following the NACC's statement three weeks ago, several opposition parties expressed readiness to submit a petition to the Speaker of Parliament. There is ongoing pressure on the opposition to collect the required 140 signatures from opposition MPs and some Senators to forward to the Supreme Court.
Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut confirmed that the opposition parties are committed to exercising their constitutional power to scrutinize independent organizations. The petition is currently being processed, with details prepared. The opposition parties have emphasized their unity in collaboration, while also exercising caution regarding the potential expansion of power beyond the legislative branch's scope. The People's Party is closely monitoring this matter.
The letter submitted by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) network, which includes signatures from multiple parties for submission to the NACC, is being compiled and reviewed. Mr. Wayo Asavarungruang mentioned a previous petition dismissed during the 26th House session due to insufficient reasonable doubt. He intends to resubmit it with additional facts for consideration by the new President of Parliament.
The current petition is in the drafting phase, with an initial submission goal of late May, but due to increased public interest, the timeline may extend to early June. The petition will incorporate established facts and new information to examine the NACC officials' actions' legality and authority.
The NACC's role is to investigate and gather facts, submitting cases to the court for final ruling. If evidence supports merit, the agency should refer the matter to the court for consideration. The entire process will take approximately two more weeks for a thorough submission to the President of the Parliament.
Mr. Sathit Wongnongteuy affirmed the Network of Students and People for Thailand Reform's efforts to protect national interests by requesting an investigation into the NACC and Mr. Saksayam's case. The Democrat Party is closely following the matter and working with other opposition parties. The NACC's dismissal of the complaint contradicts the Constitutional Court's ruling, necessitating joint action among opposition parties. The Democrat Party, Seri Ruam Thai Party, and Thai Bhakdi Party will support the petition, with potential separate complaints under consideration.
The PAD's letter also addresses the Shin Corp share tax collection case, which the Democrat Party is monitoring. Mr. Warong Dechgitvigrom stated that despite being a single-seat party, the Thai Bhakdi Party is ready to protect national interests. He assured support for the submission through the Speaker of Parliament to the Supreme Court.
Pol. Gen. Seripisut Temiyaves emphasized the opposition's duty to protect public interests and adhere to the law. The issues submitted by the PAD include omissions concerning Mr. Saksayam and the Shin Corp share case, which must be addressed according to the court's judgment. While supporting the PAD and People's Party's petition, he highlighted limitations in authority and urged expedited signing by the opposition and Democrat Party to proceed.