Bangkok: "Yutthaporn" believes that the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) will accept the Senate case without affecting the stability of the government. Yutthaporn asserts that the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) accepting the senator case will not impact government stability because the investigation will be lengthy. He emphasized that government stability is influenced by multiple factors and no political party has admitted involvement with the senator. He remarked that the no-confidence debate stage shows no fractures in coalition parties as they are targeting only one prime minister, thus avoiding score comparisons.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Yuthaporn Issarachai, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, discussed the Special Case Committee's opinion that the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) should prosecute the case based on money laundering linked to the senator selection process. The case involves the Organic Act on the Acquisition of Senators, which pertains to the Election Commission's powers, and Criminal Code Section 209 on secret societies. Sections 116 and the money laundering law also require specific votes from the special committee, under DSI's jurisdiction.
Mr. Yuthaporn mentioned that action can proceed even without a 2/3 vote, depending on the progress of the money laundering case. He believes the process will be time-consuming due to numerous witnesses and evidence, such as the leaked list of 1,200 individuals. He expects the process to take about a year, with prosecution decisions leading to the prosecutor's office and court consideration.
Regarding Senate hindrances, Mr. Yuthaporn believes that while prosecution is likely for those involved in Senate acquisition, evidence evaluation is crucial. He stressed the importance of linking secret society membership to money laundering, necessitating thorough evidence assessment.
Mr. Yuthaporn also noted that the current stage is a preliminary investigation to gather evidence for meetings, believing Senate stability won't be affected until conclusions are reached. He highlighted that coalition government stability depends on factors like ministerial quotas and political stances, with the Senate being just one element. No party has admitted Senate involvement despite criticisms. Mr. Yuthaporn believes that political parties aren't ready for elections in terms of manpower and resources.
Similarly, Mr. Yuthaporn anticipates no coalition rift from the upcoming no-confidence debate, as it focuses on one prime minister, avoiding vote comparisons that could affect confidence. He emphasized a long-term view.
Mr. Yuthaporn observed that the DSI's results stemmed from a meeting of four influential figures at Chan Song La house, influencing major political parties' reluctance to break away. Since 2006, Thai politics has been about selection, choosing the real players to remain off-field. Meetings often connect to political issues, which, while potentially real, are uncertain. He believes decisions are made cautiously, considering the presence of civil servants who must exercise their power judiciously.