Parliament Chief Defends Graft Probe Committee Setup
Parliament's speaker defended a newly formed committee reviewing the anti-corruption agency's dismissal of a stock manipulation case against a former transport minister, saying outside members ensure independence and results will determine
On August 18, 2025, at Parliament, House Speaker Sophon Sararum responded to opposition and Senate calls for the Supreme Court to establish an independent investigative committee into the National Anti-Corruption Commission's conduct in dismissing the stock manipulation case against former Transport Minister Sakdisiam Chidchob. Sophon said a committee has already been set up with outside members participating. Once the review is complete, he will explain to the public the reasoning behind forwarding or withholding the petition to the Supreme Court.
When asked whether the names of outside committee members could be disclosed, Sophon said while no one wanted to take on this responsibility, there was an agreement that the committee would work independently during the process. After the report is finalized, he is ready to reveal the members' identities. He denied the committee was merely ornamental.
Regarding whether the review must finish this month, Sophon said that depends on the committee, as they operate independently under his authority in accordance with parliamentary rules and receive standard meeting allowances. When asked if there was a work deadline, Sophon noted that when they met, he asked for a thorough examination with no fixed timeframe. He cited another committee he formed to consider appointing parliamentary assistants, which he gave 90 days but they have now requested a 30-day extension because the results must answer to society.
Sophon explained that outside members were included because the Constitution grants the parliamentary speaker discretionary power, which requires careful judgment and research. Since committees have been formed this way historically, he appointed both internal and external members to avoid accusations of selecting his own subordinates. He verified he never consulted with these members beforehand, selecting them based on their professional credentials in law and law enforcement.
When asked if this could be viewed as stalling, Sophon said the perception depends on procedure and historical precedent. "I'm not concerned with whether people call this stalling or not," he stated. "I've done my job and think the process is complete. From here, only results matter. I want to use my mind on other issues facing the nation right now. We should focus our brains on other things too, rather than fixate on just one issue. Let's make this produce results and earn public trust."
