Democrat Party Seeks NACC Witness Protection in Local Audit Graft Case

On August 23, 2026, at Democrat Party headquarters, party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva announced plans to submit a petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission regarding the local audit corruption case. He expressed concern that the matter involves a major network of powerful figures and instigators, and questioned whether the investigation could reach the true masterminds or be curtailed to protect those in power. The party has identified people involved as payers of bribes or those coerced into payments related to audits, who have information about intermediaries and key players. These individuals want to provide truthful information to expand the investigation and reach the actual instigators, but fear prosecution if they cooperate. Abhisit cited NACC law Section 135, which allows the commission to grant witness protection to minor offenders who provide useful investigative information leading to principal offenders, without prosecution and with protective measures. However, he noted uncertainty remains because the process lacks clarity and implementation depends on NACC discretion. Police investigations similarly lack clear witness protection protocols. The party plans to submit a letter on August 24 requesting that NACC issue explicit policy and announcement on witness protection measures to enable investigation of masterminds and principal offenders. Democrats are ready to coordinate bringing these individuals to provide information to NACC. Abhisit emphasized the need to prosecute the true instigators and masterminds, as the case affects many people and undermines public confidence in ethics within the civil service and local government. When asked about witness numbers, Abhisit said he could not specify, but noted some have contacted the party directly while others have been identified through reports. Some claim to have been deceived. He stressed the measure should be used to reach major offenders, not to let minor players escape charges, and urged NACC to clarify quickly and grant rights to early-stage informants. When asked whether witnesses have provided information up to ministerial level or whether investigations could reach that far, Abhisit said it depends on NACC's ability to build confidence, unless NACC declares it is ready and can handle it. As a political party, Democrats have a duty to investigate.