Nattapong Urges Supreme Court to Spare People’s Party MPs

People’s leader Nattapong Ruengpanyawut on April 7 urged the Supreme Court to allow him and nine fellow MPs to continue their legislative duties despite a looming lese majeste lawsuit. The request comes as parliament prepares for a key debate on the Bhumjaithai-led government’s policy statement later this week. If the case is accepted, the MPs could be immediately suspended pending a final ruling.

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The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is expected to submit a lawsuit on Thursday against 44 current and former lawmakers. Among them are 10 current People’s MPs and 34 former MPs from the now-dissolved Move Forward Party, including ex-leader Pita Limjaroenrat. The charges relate to their efforts to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese majeste law.

Nattapong described the case as a politically motivated and prolonged legal battle. He stressed that all elected lawmakers, including those facing charges, should be allowed to participate in the upcoming parliamentary debate scheduled for Thursday and Friday. The debate follows the recent oath-taking of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his cabinet before His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

He also called on the ruling Bhumjaithai Party, led in practice by Newin Chidchob, not to interfere in any way that might result in the suspension of the MPs. According to Nattapong, any such move, whether overt or covert, would undermine the legislative process at a critical moment. The debate is expected to address pressing issues, including an oil price crisis affecting agriculture, industry, manufacturing, and transport nationwide.

If the Supreme Court accepts the NACC’s case, the accused MPs could face suspension from their duties indefinitely. Should they be found guilty, penalties could include bans from political activity or prison sentences. There is also a possibility that their reformist party could be dissolved.

The situation has raised concerns about the balance between legal accountability and democratic representation. The outcome could have significant implications for the functioning of parliament and the broader political landscape.

The ThaiNewsRoom reported that The Supreme Court is expected to decide soon whether to accept the case, with immediate consequences for the MPs involved. The parliamentary debate on government policy will proceed in the coming days, potentially without the participation of those under investigation.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 8 Apr 2026