The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) of Thailand is set to indict 44 former members of the dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP) for ethical violations linked to their sponsorship of legislation to modify Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese-majeste law.
Rangsiman Rome, among the 44 indicted former MFP MPs, has been summoned by the NACC to address the charges and explain their initiative to alter Section 112.
Now serving as an MP for the People’s Party, Mr. Rangsiman shared on Facebook that he had received a letter signed by NACC commissioner Witthaya Akhompitak, who leads the investigation.
The correspondence demands his presence at a hearing to discuss the serious ethical charges against him for suggesting changes to the Criminal Code. According to the NACC, there is ample evidence supporting these allegations.
Mr. Rangsiman maintains that suggesting legal modifications is a duty of an MP and should not be seen as a violation.
He argues that no specific law forbids MPs from proposing modifications to Section 112, noting that the MFP had formally presented its policy suggestions to the Election Commission.
He stated that their conduct did not breach ethical norms, criticizing the NACC for its “notable efficiency” in rapidly processing charges against all 44 MPs amid lingering accusations in other matters.
He highlighted the irony of being scrutinized by an agency whose integrity is still debated, as they carried out their legislative responsibilities.
Mr. Rangsiman raised concerns about the disproportionate progress of complaints against opposition MPs compared to those in power, questioning the standards applied by the NACC.
On another note, deputy government spokesman Karom Phonphonklang, who was formerly with both the now-defunct Future Forward Party and the MFP, stated he was not involved in the amendment efforts, having been sidelined in party activities from the start.
Nonetheless, he maintained that had he been part of the process, he would have stood against the amendment.
“Even ordinary people are protected under Sections 326 and 328 of the Criminal Code. Section 112 serves as protection against the erosion of the monarchy through both direct and indirect criticism,” he stated.
He stated, “The monarchy is the most important institution, as it provides stability and strengthens the nation.” He expressed his intention not to criticize his former colleagues despite previous disagreements, adding, “Having the power does not mean they can do anything they want.”
