Thai Supreme Court Accepts Ethics Case Against 44 Lawmakers Over Lese-Majeste Amendment; Sitting MPs Not Suspended
Introduction
Thailand''s Supreme Court has accepted a petition accusing 44 current and former opposition lawmakers of ethical violations. The case relates to a 2021 attempt to change Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese-majeste law. The court did not order the suspension of the 10 sitting members of parliament among the accused. The first hearing is scheduled for June 30.
Main Body
The case began on March 25, 2021, when 44 members of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party proposed changes to Section 112. The proposed changes aimed to reduce penalties for lese-majeste offenses and make the Bureau of the Royal Household the only party that could file a complaint. The bill was never discussed in parliament, but the signatures later became evidence in legal cases. In August 2024, the Constitutional Court dissolved Move Forward, ruling that the proposal could threaten the constitutional monarchy. Its successor, the People''s Party, now includes 10 of the original 44 lawmakers, including party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, Sirikanya Tansakun, Rangsiman Rome, Wayo Assawarungruang, Pakornwut Udompipatskul, Nattawut Buaprathum, Surachet Pravinvongvuth, Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, Teerajchai Phunthumas, and Taopiphop Limjittrakorn. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) filed a petition with the Supreme Court''s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, alleging a serious breach of ethical standards. The court accepted the petition on April 24, 2025, but decided not to suspend the 10 sitting MPs from their parliamentary duties. They can continue working as long as they avoid actions or public comments related to the case. The atmosphere outside the court was quiet, with no supporters present and no barricaded media zones. People''s Party leader Natthaphong stated that the MPs would fight the case to protect the legitimacy of elected representatives under Thailand''s parliamentary system. He criticized the use of ''lawfare'' – using the law as a weapon – to strengthen power and protect special interests. He asserted that the proposal was not intended to undermine the democratic system with the King as Head of State. The party''s legal team attended the hearing, but party executives and the named MPs were absent due to the party''s annual general meeting. Section 112 carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison per offense for criticizing the monarchy. Critics have argued that the law has been misused to silence political opponents. The People''s Party finished second in the February general election to Prime Minister Anutin Chanvirakul''s Bhumjaithai Party. If found guilty, the 44 lawmakers face a maximum penalty of a lifetime ban from holding political office and a 10-year suspension of voting rights.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court''s acceptance of the case is the latest legal challenge for Thailand''s progressive opposition. The 10 sitting MPs will continue their parliamentary duties while the trial proceeds. A guilty verdict could lead to permanent disqualification from office.