Bangkok: A petition signed by 80,000 citizens proposing a law to impeach independent organizations has been submitted to the Parliament, aiming to strengthen the system of checks and balances. The Speaker of Parliament has tasked the head of the Political Coordination and Complaints Group with receiving the draft constitutional amendment, which allows eligible voters to petition for the removal of officeholders in independent constitutional organizations.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sophon Saram, President of the Parliament, designated Ms. Rachadaporn Eiamanan, a legal expert and acting head of the Political Coordination and Complaints Handling Group, to officially receive the draft amendment and associated documents from Mr. Yutthana Srisawat. The amendment, supported by 80,412 eligible voters, seeks to empower citizens to petition for the removal of officeholders in independent constitutional organizations to enhance democratic checks and balances. The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand currently permits at least 20,000 eligible voters to petition the President of the Parliament to initiate removal proceedings for officeholders in independent organizations under Chapter 12 of the Constitution, similar to the mechanism used for members of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. This process applies if an officeholder is suspected of accumulating wealth illegally, engaging in corruption, or committing misconduct. The Constitution emphasizes citize n involvement in overseeing the exercise of power by independent constitutional organizations, which have the authority to investigate and penalize entities affecting the rule of law, public interest, and general welfare.
Ms. Ratchadaporn Eiamanan confirmed after receiving the petition that she was instructed by the President of the Parliament to handle the submission. The Secretariat of the House of Representatives will now forward the petition to the Petitioning Group, which will have 45 days to verify the signatures' authenticity and completeness according to the prescribed rules. Following verification, the findings will be reported to the President of the Parliament for further consideration.