Thailand's Anti-Graft Body Probes 44 Move Forward Party Members Over Royal Law Amendment Support
In a recent development, Thailand's anti-graft body has launched an investigation into 44 members of the disbanded Move Forward party. These members are being probed following a complaint seeking their lifetime bans from politics for supporting legislation aimed at amending a law against royal insults.
The Move Forward party, which was dissolved by a court less than a month ago, had campaigned on amending the law that protects the powerful crown from criticism. Among the 44 individuals under investigation are 25 current lawmakers of the People's Party, which is the latest incarnation of Move Forward and the largest party in parliament.
Thailand's lese-majeste law, or article 112 of the criminal code, is one of the strictest in the world and carries punishments of up to 15 years in jail for insulting the royal family. Critics argue that the law has been misused for political purposes to silence opposition.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission has clarified that no charges have been filed yet and not all 44 individuals will be summoned for questioning. If unethical behavior is established, those charged can present a defense before a decision is made on whether to prosecute them in court. If found guilty, they could face a lifetime ban from politics.
The move to investigate these members comes after conservative activists filed a complaint in February, shortly after Move Forward was ordered to drop its campaign to amend the lese-majeste law. Despite the threat of a lifetime ban, Senior People's Party lawmaker Sirikanya Tansakul remains unfazed and is preparing a legal defense.
In conclusion, this investigation highlights the ongoing political tensions in Thailand surrounding the lese-majeste law. The outcome of this probe could have significant implications for the future of political dissent and reform efforts in the country. Investors should monitor these developments closely as they may impact stability and investment opportunities in Thailand.