All eyes are on Monday’s National Anti‑Corruption Commission (NACC) meeting, where the agency may rule on an ethics case against 44 former Move Forward Party MPs—now mostly with the People’s Party—over their bid to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lèse‑majesté law.
Thailand’s political climate has heated up in the final stretch before Sunday’s general election, following reports that the anti‑graft body may decide on Monday whether the group’s conduct was unethical.
Of the 44, 25 are members of the People's Party, the successor to Move Forward after it was dissolved.
NACC secretary‑general Surapong Intharathaworn said on Sunday that while the commission is scheduled to meet on Monday, the case of the 44 former Move Forward lawmakers is not listed on the official agenda.
However, the NACC chairman can add it as a confidential agenda item if the commissioners agree.
Mr Surapong said he could not confirm whether the case would be raised as a secret item but noted that the investigation is finished and only awaits the full commission’s consideration.
Responding to criticism that raising the case before the election is “political manoeuvring,” Mr Surapong said the case is following the NACC’s regular timeline.
A sub‑committee completed its investigation on Dec 28, 2025, he explained, but the accused later submitted petitions seeking fairness along with additional clarifications. The case has simply moved to the next procedural stage, he said, adding that the timing had nothing to do with the current political climate.
“I confirm there is no politics involved. Everything is proceeding according to the timeline," said Mr Surapong.
"I am cautious about this too because, as the head of the agency, I must be careful to ensure it is not linked to politics.”
If the NACC finds wrongdoing, the case will go to the Supreme Court for Holders of Political Positions. A guilty ruling could cost the former MPs their seats and bar them from future elections.
