People’s Party to ask court not to suspend MPs over Article 112 Bill

People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and 14 potential lawmakers plan to petition the Supreme Court, asking it not to suspend them from performing parliamentary duties once the court agrees to consider a ruling by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

The NACC has ruled that they committed gross violations of ethical standards by proposing a bill to amend the lèse majesté law.

Natthaphong said the predicament he and his fellow MPs face is similar to that experienced by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the now-defunct Future Forward Party, and Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the now-defunct Move Forward Party, both of whom were banned from politics for 10 years by the Constitutional Court.

He said that charter-mandated independent organisations , such as the Constitutional Court, the NACC, the State Audit Office and the Election Commission, should not be weaponised to eliminate politicians from opposing camps.

Natthaphong admitted that the NACC’s move to seek Supreme Court action against them for proposing amendments to the lèse majesté law could affect his chances of becoming leader of the opposition.

While stressing that he is not motivated by political positions, he said he has a duty to lead his party.

The party’s legal team, led by Dr. Wayo Asavaroongruang, is currently preparing the petition, which is expected to be submitted to the Supreme Court later this month.

Key party figures who could face suspension from parliamentary duties include Sirikanya Tansakul, Rangsiman Rome, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn and Pakornwut Udompipatskul.