Bangkok: Somchai-Chanchai-Lawyer Nok Khao took action to question the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) after 30 days had passed since they submitted a request to the Constitutional Court to remove the Cabinet of Settha-Paethongtarn. The group also targeted current MPs and Senators for alleged misconduct involving the adjustment of 68 budget parts, which were allegedly used improperly to distribute 10,000 baht. They submitted additional budget documents with the hope that the NACC and the Constitutional Court will make a decisive ruling on this issue, potentially setting a precedent to prevent budget misuse aimed solely at garnering votes.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chanchai Issarasenarak, a former Democrat MP, along with Mr. Somchai Saengkaew, a former Senator, and Mr. Nitithorn Lamluea, an activist, traveled to follow up after their petition to the NACC. They aim to forward it to the Constitutional Court to consider the removal of the Cabinet, MPs, and Senators on grounds of violating Section 144 of the Constitution and Section 88 of the Organic Act on Corruption Prevention and Suppression. These sections pertain to the alleged cutting of a 35 billion baht budget meant for principal loan repayment, as stated in Section 28 of the Fiscal Discipline Act, which prohibits altering such budgets. The funds were reportedly redirected to an economic stimulus project, distributing 10,000 baht via digital wallets. The initial submission occurred on April 25, and after 30 days, they sought an update.
Mr. Chanchai expressed that apart from following up on the original petition, they also sought opinions from three key agencies: the Council of State, the Bank of Thailand, and the NACC. The government had previously requested input from these agencies. He underscored that the budget initially allocated for debt repayment under Section 28, specifically concerning the BAAC's loan, was mismanaged. The reallocation left the BAAC unable to repay debts, hitting its loan ceiling and preventing further borrowing to address low agricultural product prices, thus impacting farmers adversely. Mr. Chanchai urged the Constitutional Court to establish a precedent to guide politicians on proper conduct, preventing self-serving interpretations of the law that prioritize votes over national interest. He called upon the NACC and the Constitutional Court to uphold their responsibilities in setting a standard.
He warned that by May 28, the consideration of the 2026 budget could lead to further budget misappropriation if not addressed now. Misallocated funds originally meant for debt repayment could lead to national economic harm. He noted this unprecedented governmental action violated constitutional dictates from 1997, 1998, and 1999, which explicitly prohibit such actions. The situation was compared to international scenarios, adding that the practice of handing out money for votes must be curtailed.
Mr. Somchai, marking the one-month anniversary of their petition, also submitted additional documents. He reiterated the significance of Section 144, which prevents reallocating funds designated for debt repayment for other uses, accusing the Cabinet and committee of violating this through their resolution. His comments suggested that the third round of fund distribution was halted due to their intervention, further indicating the seriousness of the offense.