BANGKOK — Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission accused 10 newly elected MPs from the progressive People’s Party, including top prime ministerial hopeful Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, of ethics violations on Monday for attempting to amend the kingdom’s strict royal insult law.
The lese majeste statute, which protects the king and his family from criticism and imposes up to 15 years imprisonment per offense, lies at the heart of the allegations. The NACC referred the case to the Supreme Court, claiming the MPs’ draft bill to reform it demonstrated a “lack of commitment to uphold the democratic system with the king as head of state,” constituting a serious ethical breach.
This development follows Bhumjaithai’s surprise election win on February 8 under caretaker PM Anutin Charnvirakul, relegating the poll-leading People’s Party to second place. The accused lawmakers, among 44 current and former progressives, could face suspension pending court acceptance, with conviction risking lifetime political bans and 10-year voting restrictions.
Natthaphong, who plans to lead the opposition, denied receiving formal notice from authorities. The move echoes Thailand’s pattern of judicial interventions against reformists, including the 2024 dissolution of the People’s Party predecessor Move Forward for similar lese majeste pledges and the decade-long ban on its leader Pita Limjaroenrat after the 2023 vote. Conservative forces appear poised to maintain their grip amid entrenched elite influence.