Thailand’s Supreme Court on Friday, April 24, 2026, accepted for consideration a petition against 44 former Move Forward Party MPs over alleged lese majeste and serious ethical misconduct, while allowing 10 sitting MPs to remain on duty. The court declined to suspend the 10 MPs, who now represent the People’s Party in the current House of Representatives, meaning they can continue performing parliamentary duties as the case proceeds.

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The petition was filed by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which accused the former MPs of jointly signing and proposing a bill to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code in a manner that may have breached serious ethical standards. The court’s panel of judges began deliberations at around 10.30am and issued its order at approximately 10.55am, confirming the case would move forward without immediate suspensions.

NACC officials arrived at the Supreme Court at Sanam Luang at about 9.15am to attend the hearing but did not give interviews to the media. The People’s Party sent a legal team led by lawyer Nithi La-iaddee to hear the ruling, while no party executives, current MPs, or former Move Forward MPs named in the case were present.

Their absence was due to the People’s Party holding its annual general meeting at Maple Hotel Bangna on the same day. Before entering the court, Nithi said the party had prepared for multiple possible outcomes, including the court accepting or rejecting the petition, requesting amendments, suspending MPs, or allowing them to continue working.

The court’s decision not to suspend the 10 sitting MPs means there is no immediate disruption to parliamentary operations. However, the acceptance of the case signals that the allegations will undergo full judicial examination, potentially carrying significant political and legal implications depending on the final ruling.

The 10 sitting MPs involved are:

1. Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, party-list MP and People’s Party leader

2. Sirikanya Tansakun, party-list MP

3. Rangsiman Rome, party-list MP

4. Wayo Assawarungruang, party-list MP

5. Pakornwut Udompipatskul, party-list MP

6. Nattawut Buaprathum, party-list MP

7. Surachet Pravinvongvuth, party-list MP

8. Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, party-list MP

9. Theeratchai Phanthumas, Bangkok MP

10. Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, Bangkok MP

The Nation reported that the Supreme Court will proceed with its consideration of the case, examining the actions of the 44 former MPs and determining whether their conduct violated ethical standards. Any future rulings could affect both the individuals involved and broader interpretations of legislative conduct in Thailand.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 25 Apr 2026

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It is in the Western media too, and people there have questions about the strong enforcement of this law. I believe that potential tourists will seek other destinations as there is a risk to be fined or jailed by saying something that can be linked to this law. It happened in the beginning when I stayed in Thailand for example that 20 THB biljet felt on the floor and to prevent it was blown away a stepped on it an the first reaction was they said what do you do,? It is not allowed. But you don't know. It is just an example of something which is accepted in the Western world that can be a big problem here.

Thailand just cemented its reputation as a 3 class, un-democratic country, with politicians backstabbing each other, instead of trying bring country forward-again !!

Won't matter what the defence says or does, they are toast... already decided long ago. This is just a show trial and the final act in the saga (clearing up loose ends)... they will all be shafted in the most public of ways.

1 minute ago, Sir Dude said:

Won't matter what the defence says or does, they are toast... already decided long ago. This is just a show trial and they will all be shafted in the most public of ways.

Unfortunately seems that way.

Doubt they even finished their coffee before the decision was announced let alone made.............

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The court’s panel of judges began deliberations at around 10.30am and issued its order at approximately 10.55am

Once again we saee the courts used to stop Thailand from having an independant political party because the hi so cant handle not being able to tell people what they can & cant do, Thailand is not democratic, it is run by the "old" boys club with

money & the right names.

3 hours ago, topt said:

Unfortunately seems that way.

Doubt they even finished their coffee before the decision was announced let alone made.............

The decision was made long before the case was accepted...

3 hours ago, topt said:

Unfortunately seems that way.

Doubt they even finished their coffee before the decision was announced let alone made.............

They must look like they are thinking very hard.

And the longer it takes the more obvious are their efforts to be thorough and fair. And the expenses and allowances will mount up too.....

The establishment is still terrified of the party and will do anything to make them go away.

The party is one of the most naive in the world. A sensible party would have dropped the policy about 112 and focused on the economy. Once they get into power they can introduce changes.

At this rate they'll all be in prison or banned from politics for life and never achieve a darn thing. Thais are not going to rise up to support them.

2 hours ago, Purdey said:

The party is one of the most naive in the world. A sensible party would have dropped the policy about 112 and focused on the economy. Once they get into power they can introduce changes.

At this rate they'll all be in prison or banned from politics for life and never achieve a darn thing. Thais are not going to rise up to support them.

you are right, but as you notice now, even after 4 years they are being prosecuted.. Thailand keep their files and start to prosecute people as soon as it is convenient for them. No reforms are allowed to make. If this is not working there is already another issue. The office of People's Party in a media center.... It will be kept for the next elections