Opposition lawmakers intensify scrutiny on the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) following its decision to exonerate Saksayam Chidchob, a prominent Bhumjaithai Party leader, in a false asset declaration case. This ruling contrasts with a prior Constitutional Court decision that ousted him from office.
Parliamentary Push for Supreme Court Review
On Tuesday at parliament, Parit Wacharasindhu, a party-list MP from the People’s Party, accepted new evidence from political activist Phattarapong Supakson, known as lawyer Aun. The materials bolster an opposition petition urging the Supreme Court to investigate the NACC’s handling of the matter.
Parit Wacharasindhu announced that the group is preparing a petition under Section 236 of the constitution, aiming for completion by May. Over 140 parliamentarians have committed support, comprising 119 from the People’s Party, 21 from the Democrat Party, one from the Seri Ruam Thai Party, one from the Thai Pakdee Party, and roughly 10 senators.
Core Issues in the Petition
The petition targets three primary issues: whether the NACC reviewed financial evidence cited by the Constitutional Court in the Saksayam case, if all submitted allegations underwent full investigation, and whether the commission adhered to required inquiry protocols.
Parit Wacharasindhu questioned the NACC’s dismissal of the complaint without a formal probe, as mandated by the organic law for the anti-graft agency. “If there was no inquiry, the public deserves to know why,” he stated.
Concerns also arise over Pakornwut Udompipatskul, the People’s Party MP who lodged the initial complaint. He received no official notice of the dismissal and discovered it through media in late April, even though the NACC finalized its decision in September of the previous year.
Civic Groups Mobilize
Phattarapong Supakson revealed that civic organizations plan to gather 20,000 public signatures for independent action against the NACC regarding its case management.
