Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has ruled that 44 former Members of Parliament from the Move Forward Party committed serious ethical violations by proposing amendments to Section 112 of the Criminal Code. The decision, announced on 9 February 2026, clears the way for the case to be referred to the Supreme Court for further consideration, with immediate consequences if the court accepts the petition.
According to reports, the NACC board voted to find all 44 former MPs at fault for breaching or failing to comply with serious ethical standards. The case centres on their joint action in signing and submitting a 2021 proposal to amend Section 112, also known as the lèse-majesté law. The ruling marks a significant escalation in legal proceedings linked to the controversial legislative proposal.
The 44 individuals concerned are former MPs of the Move Forward Party, some of whom are now MPs of the People’s Party. Some of those named were also former members of the Move Forward Party’s executive committee and have already been stripped of their political rights following a ruling by the Constitutional Court.
The 44 named include prominent figures now affiliated with the People’s Party, including party leader Nattaphong Ruengpanyawut, Sirikanya Tansakun, Rangsiman Rome and Pakornwut Udompipatsakul. The NACC decision applies collectively to all 44 individuals involved in the amendment proposal.
Following this resolution, the NACC will now forward the case file to the Supreme Court. Under established procedures, the court will take time to examine the submitted documentation before deciding whether to formally accept the case for trial. This review phase is a standard step in cases involving alleged serious ethical breaches by political office holders.
If the Supreme Court decides to accept the case, any of the accused who currently hold political positions from the 2026 election, will be required to immediately suspend their duties. This provision is triggered at the point the court formally registers the case, rather than at the conclusion of judicial proceedings. The measure is intended to preserve the integrity of the process while the case is under judicial consideration.
The decision adds to ongoing legal and political consequences stemming from efforts to amend Section 112, an issue that has remained highly sensitive within Thailand’s political system. It also underscores the expanding role of independent oversight bodies in scrutinising legislative actions taken by elected representatives.
Thaitabloid reported that the next step will depend on the Supreme Court’s preliminary review of the case file submitted by the NACC. Further developments will hinge on whether the court accepts the petition and schedules formal proceedings against the former MPs.
Key Takeaways
• The NACC ruled on 9 February 2026 that 44 former Move Forward MPs committed serious ethical violations over a Section 112 amendment proposal.
• The case will be forwarded to the Supreme Court, which must decide whether to accept it for trial.
• Acceptance of the case would require any accused currently holding political office to immediately suspend their duties.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thaitabloid 2026-02-10
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment