A statement by National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) staff urging a commissioner to resign over bribery allegations involving gold bars has gained traction.
The issue was amplified after Prof Emeritus Thongthong Chandransu, a former justice permanent secretary, shared on Facebook a statement issued by civil servants and officials from the NACC Office.
Posting the document on his Tongthong Chandransu page, he wrote: "Let us watch together what happens next."
In the statement, NACC officials said that a serving commissioner had allegedly been linked to a bribery case involving gold bars weighing a total of 246 baht (3.75 kilogrammes) worth 10 million baht.
They said the accusations had already caused "serious damage" to the credibility, public trust and dignity of the commission, even though legal proceedings remain under review.
"The position of NACC commissioner is not a political post and one cannot rely on the argument 'not yet convicted' to cling to office," the statement said.
It added that NACC commissioners must be held to a higher ethical standard, remain free from suspicion and prioritise institutional integrity over personal interest.
Remaining in office amid grave allegations may undermine the independence of investigations and erode public confidence.
The statement also highlighted that the accused commissioner is a former judge, stressing that judicial dignity is preserved not by holding on to office but through "moral courage".
Referring to past controversies, including the luxury-watch case involving former Palang Pracharat Party leader Prawit Wongsuwon, the statement said the staff did not want the NACC to repeat actions that tarnish its reputation. The statement therefore called directly for the commissioner concerned to "resign voluntarily to protect the institution and reaffirm its commitment to integrity".
Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit, a former National Human Rights Commission member, shared the statement, noting that while the Senate appoints commissioners of independent agencies like the NACC, it lacks direct removal powers.
