Thailand's Anti-Corruption Body Probes Ex-Move Forward Members

Thailand's anti-corruption commission has started investigating 44 former members of the disbanded Move Forward party, including 25 current parliamentarians, for legislative support to amend the royal insult law. This follows a court decision to dissolve the party over similar campaign promises. The individuals under investigation now operate as part of the People's Party.

Thailand's anti-corruption commission announced Friday the launch of an investigation into 44 ex-members of the disbanded Move Forward party, of whom 25 are current parliamentarians, over their support for legislation to amend the royal insult law.

This development comes just weeks after a court ordered the dissolution of the Move Forward party due to its election pledge to amend the lese majeste law. Despite being officially disbanded, the group reformed as the People's Party and remains the largest faction in parliament. The lese majeste law prevents criticism of the crown and can result in jail terms of up to 15 years. Critics argue the law is used to suppress dissent.

'We have started calling relevant individuals to hear the facts,' National Anti-Corruption Commission deputy secretary-general Sarote Phuengrampan told Reuters, noting that an investigative panel has been set up. 'We are not calling all 44, only some of them,' he clarified. 'This step is to collect evidence, but no one has been charged yet.' According to the commission's procedures, if the panel finds enough evidence of unethical behavior, charges will be made, allowing the accused to present a defense before a decision on prosecution is reached.

Move Forward gained surprise victory in last year's elections, drawing support from urban and youth voters with its anti-establishment stance including military reform and breaking business monopolies. However, the party was prevented from forming a government by lawmakers allied with the royalist military. A court earlier handed a lifetime political ban to a Move Forward politician over social media posts deemed disrespectful to the monarchy.

(With inputs from agencies.)