Bangkok: Former Bangkok MP of Move Forward Party reveals that he has acknowledged the 10-page charges - denies being held as a witness in the 44 MP case, and is ready to file a complaint with the court against "Amornrat-Krunphol" for making slanderous accusations.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Somkiat Thanomsin, a former Bangkok MP of the Move Forward Party, was summoned by the NACC to acknowledge the charge of violating serious ethical standards from signing a proposal to amend Article 112 of the Criminal Code. This case involves 44 Move Forward Party MPs, and Mr. Somkiat clarified that he, like the other 43 MPs, was accused but not detained as a witness. Since the 2023 election, Mr. Somkiat has not been a party member because the Move Forward Party selected other candidates for the election, some of whom also faced charges under Article 112.
Mr. Somkiat further explained that although 44 individuals were accused of signing the amendment, only 4 were initially called as circumstantial witnesses and did not sign their names.
Mr. Somkiat received the charges from the NACC, which comprised 10 pages with multiple allegations. He was advised to clarify based on facts and has 15 days to respond, extendable by another 15 days. He admitted to signing but insisted on clarifying other behaviors based on facts.
Additionally, Mr. Somkiat mentioned that after resigning from the party, fellow MPs contacted him about hiring a lawyer together, but he refused due to ongoing anger with the party. He was also accused by the party of being a "cobra," yet when he tried to contact those MPs, they did not respond.
After suing a Move Forward Party team member for accusing him of being a "cobra" and receiving benefits, the court dismissed the case following the member's admission and apology. Mr. Somkiat is also pursuing a lawsuit against Ms. Amornrat Chokpamitkul and Mr. Krunpol Thiansuwan for making slanderous accusations during a campaign. The court will consider this lawsuit in April.