Bangkok: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) confirmed that the case of the feigned investigation involving Senators Bhumtham and Thawee will continue. The NACC stated that the case, concerning the fake investigation into collusion in the selection of Senators, involves both criminal and ethical standards, and will proceed accordingly.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Surapong Intarathaworn, Deputy Secretary-General of the NACC and acting Secretary-General as well as NACC spokesperson, addressed charges filed by Senators against Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, former Minister of Justice. These charges allege interference in the election of Senators. Mr. Surapong explained that the charges are categorized into two parts: one involving a violation of official duties, and another potentially involving a violation of ethical standards in their capacities as ministers.
In both scenarios, if misconduct is established, the NACC is obliged to see the prosecution through to its conclusion, as criminal liability persists. The cases involving ethical standards, where political punishment is deliberated, leave it up to the relevant authorities to decide if the accused should be stripped of political rights. This approach is akin to previous impeachment cases, where despite the removal of the accused from office, the NACC’s investigative authority remains intact.
In response to inquiries about the petition filed by a group of reserve senators with the NACC to investigate the ethics of 92 senators, Mr. Surapong confirmed receipt of the petition. He stated that they are currently examining each individual to ascertain any affiliations with the blue-shirt political party.