PPLE’s path ahead after Supreme court accepts 44MPs case, Commits to strong opposition role

Today (April 24, 2026) 12:30 P.M., at the Maple Hotel, Bangna, Mr Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut leader of the People's Party (PPLE), along with Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul, Mr. Rangsiman Rome, Mr. Wayo Asavarungruang, Mr. Pakornwut Udompipatkul, Mr. Nattawut Buaprathum, Mr. Surachet Praveenwongwut, Mr. Natcha Boonchaiinsawas, Mr. Theerachai Panthumas (BKK MP), and Mr. Taophipop Limjitrakorn (BKK MP), held a press conference following the Supreme Court's acceptance of the petition from 44 former MPs regarding the amendment of Article 112. The Supreme Court accepted the petition from The office of National Anti - Corruption Commission (ONACC) that 44 former MPs from the Move Forward Party seriously violated ethical standards by co-signing a draft amendment to Article 112 of the Criminal Code. The court also ordered that 10 currently serving MPs can continue performing their duties. However, repeating or performing any act or expressing any opinion, that is the alleged act in this complaint is prohibited.

Natthaphong stated that in order from the Supreme Court’s decision PPLE’s MP just wanted to repeat that the petition to present the law amendment was not intended to disrupt the democratic system with the king as head of the country. He highlighted that the relevance of this issue is greater than the political future, it concerns the future of Thai democracy which affects all of us. PPLE seeks a democratic system with procedures to check and balance the power equitably across all parties, applying the same criteria to protect the interests of the people rather than a system that exploits power to protect some specific groups.

“We don’t want to see an action in the court process to preserve a political system that is a legacy of the coup that tried to limit people’s authority and consolidate power and benefits in the hands of a select set of   elites and some politicians while ignoring the country’s and people’s future. Hence,   we will protect this lawsuit until the end in the Supreme Court to protect the validity of the power of elected representatives in a parliamentary, while working with people to transition politics to a democracy that truly servers the people” Natthaphong stated

When asked whether the Supreme Court's acceptance of the petition and allowing the 10 MPs to continue performing their duties was considered fair, or if it was due to Mr. Saksayam Chidchob's case, Mr. Natthapong stated that they wanted to highlight the future of Thai democracy, including the justice system and independent organizations that treat everyone equally. Former Constitutional Court judges have remarked on Mr. Saksayam's case, stating that there was already a clear rule binding all organizations. When compared to the case of the 44 MPs, society concludes that the ONACCmay be treating people unfairly.

Regarding the legal, Dr. Wayo Asavarungruang, deputy head of the People's Party, stated that they expect justice from the Supreme Court. According to the process outlined in the 2017 Constitution, the eventual destination will be the Supreme Court, the highest court in the legal system. They will most certainly fight for a long time because this issue involves ethical norms under the 2017 Constitution, and there are 44 opponents, each with their own proof and witnesses. To summon external witnesses and evidence, they must first acquire court orders. Thus, it is expected to take around 1-2 years.

However, we expect a fair trial because we have continuously opposed and claimed that the ONACC's inquiry was flawed and that we did not receive true justice through the ONACC process. Some individuals requested only one witness subpoena from the ONACC, which the ONACC refused to grant. Furthermore, none of the 43 persons were given authority by the ONACC to accept subpoenas for external witnesses. As a result, we believe we deserve to be treated fairly in court. Our concerns, which requested a verdict on the ONACC's improper process, remain in existence and may be addressed in the same opinion as the final judgment.

In this case, the court gave the NACC 15 days to contest its own disputes, which is deemed legitimate procedure. The NACC is free to dispute these claims. Regarding the NACC's claim that the sought evidence is irrelevant to the case, it must explain why. However, it is important to note that the conditions under which the ten individuals are required to continue doing their tasks are fairly broad. It needs to be translated and related to the request. Each individual will most likely get the request and prepare the required information, carefully analyzing the contents to guarantee compliance with the condition.

Natthaphong noted that the basis of designating an opposition leader does not need the parliament to wait for the election of the party leader or the party's executive committee. He noted that he had already confirmed this with parliamentary staff. As a result, he recognizes that the process of naming him as opposition leader is most likely already beginning. He proposed speaking directly with the Speaker of Parliament.

When asked how PPLE’s party will communicate with supporters and public who still support the party’s stance, including expectations regarding amendments to certain section of the Criminal code, once the Supreme Court’s ruling is issued without undermining its ideals, Natthaphong believes that all PPLE’s MP had most received messages of congratulations on the court’s refusal to order them to cease their duties. However, he urged everyone to understand that the legal warfare process has not ended.  

"The major ethical transgressions committed against us today are unrelated to the content of the proposed reforms or the use of authority in the legislative process. Rather, it is a reaction from the political system that is consolidating this country, whether it be power dominating or interfering with autonomous organizations, or systemic corruption. The Future Forward Party, the Move Forward Party, and the People's Party have constantly and thoroughly examined these topics. In an atmosphere of encouragement and congratulations, we underline our preparedness to continue driving the transition of the country's political system toward a constitutional monarchy that serves the people's most significant interests,"   Nattapong stated

Lastly, he affirmed that the party will continue its position as an opposition force,The People's Party has always been known for thoroughly examining the procedures of the administration. He highlighted that he does not want people to focus just on the court decision, but rather on the fact that what is killing this country is the constitutional monarchy and our dedication to carrying out our duties honestly and directly as representatives of the people. He stated that the ten MPs have not been suspended from their duties and are prepared to use all of their authority as MPs in parliament to continue promoting change.   "Our major goal has never changed whether from the time of the Future Forward Party to the People's Party, and political activism doesn't need to be selective. We need to move forward on every page," Nattapong stated.

Photo : Punyaphon Rakcharoen