Bangkok: "Nattawut" acknowledges the second NACC charge in the case of amending Section 112, violating ethics, confident that he can fight without fear, and that it will not affect his duties as an MP, preparing for the censure debate.
According to Thai News Agency, Nattawut Buaprathum, a party-list MP from the Prachachon Party, traveled to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to hear the serious ethics violation charges in the case of 44 former Move Forward Party MPs who jointly signed a motion to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code. He is the second MP to travel to hear the charges, following Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a party-list MP from the Prachachon Party. He spent almost two hours giving his statement to the NACC.
Mr. Nattawut stated that the actions of the 43 people are regarded as the privilege of MPs and are a duty according to the provisions of the constitution in signing the amendment of the law, which they see may affect the rights and freedoms of the people. He mentioned that the amendment of the law still firmly upholds the institution. He is the second individual to acknowledge the charges, and it remains uncertain when other MPs will do so or if they will acknowledge the charges through documents.
Regarding his accusation, it relates to the amendment of the Criminal Code concerning freedom and the offense of defamation, which is highlighted in the accusation. An additional aspect is that the NACC mentioned his media interview where he expressed agreement with amending the Criminal Code, especially Section 112. He needs to review the details of his interview and the evidence the NACC used to press charges against him.
While Mr. Nattawut cannot claim relief, he asserted that amending the law should not be deemed a serious unethical offense. The charge and punishment of serious unethical offense could lead to the revocation of political rights for life, akin to political execution. He has recorded his statement and confirmed with the NACC that he will request copies of all documents. He admitted to not knowing the identity of his accuser or the evidence the NACC utilized to determine serious unethical offenses.
Moreover, witness protection is only applicable if there is a risk of witnesses being threatened or intimidated. He believes it is the accused's right to know the accuser's identity and the evidence against them, including any video or audio recordings. He expects the NACC to decide on granting his requests shortly. According to the NACC's regulations, providing evidence must not affect the case and is to safeguard personal data and rights. However, he believes that with serious accusations that may lead to the loss of political rights for life, they have the right to fight the case to the fullest.
Mr. Nattawut intends to provide further information to the NACC in the form of documents and witness references. He hopes the NACC will ensure full justice for the serious charges. He affirmed that acknowledging the charges would not impact the duties of the Prachachon Party MPs, who are preparing for the censure debate. He assured the public of their resolve and commitment to fight the case fully, moving forward in accordance with the democratic system without obstacles.
Regarding the staggered acknowledgment of charges by the 43 MPs, there was no collective discussion, but general consultations occurred to verify receipt of documents from the NACC. The NACC's regulations consider distance in sending summons, leading to discrepancies in receipt among MPs. However, they have legal support and advisors for the process.
Mr. Nattawut concluded that while facts differ among MPs, the main issue relates to the Criminal Code. He believes all MPs are ready to engage in the NACC process and have no intention of serious ethical offenses. He emphasized that no one in parliament should be judged with serious ethical offenses based on their actions.