The People’s Party is preparing to appoint a new secretary-general following the resignation of Sarayut Jailak from the post, deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun said on Tuesday.
Mr Sarayut announced shortly after the Feb 8 election that he would step down to take responsibility for the party’s disappointing showing at the polls, which reduced its seat total to 119 from 151 in the 2023 election.
Ms Sirikanya said changes to the party leadership would depend on a legal case involving 44 former MPs accused of a breach of ethics, as the party is waiting to see how the Supreme Court rules.
Ms Sirikanya was referring to the case against the 44 former Move Forward Party MPs who supported a proposal to amend the lese-majeste law.
Ten of the people named are still sitting MPs with the People’s Party, including Ms Sirikanya and party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut.
The National Anti Corruption Commission (NACC) lodged the case recently with the Supreme Court, which will review the petition before deciding whether to proceed. If it accepts the case, it may decide to suspend the 10 MPs from their duties pending a final ruling.
Ms Sirikanya said the party’s legal team is seeking copies of court documents to prepare a defence and request a temporary suspension.
She said it is unclear how long the court will take to decide whether to accept the case, noting the large volume of documents could delay the process.
The case dates back to 2021, when Pita Limjaroenrat, then leader of the Move Forward Party, led 44 MPs in proposing amendments to Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese-majeste law.
The petition followed a Constitutional Court ruling on Jan 31, 2024, which said the party’s attempt to amend Section 112 amounted to an effort to undermine the constitutional monarchy.
Ms Sirikanya also said the party has selected a candidate for the Bangkok governor election, adding that the individual is a well-known party member with leadership qualities and a clear vision for improving the capital.
The Election Commission announced recently that the gubernatorial election in Bangkok would take place on June 28, the same day as municipal elections in Pattaya.
Incumbent Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt has not yet announced whether he will seek re-election.
