Somphon Deflects Opposition's Inquiry: Will NACC Lèse-Majesté Case Be Sent to Supreme Court Immediately?
Parliament Speaker Somphon Saramul declined to commit to immediately forwarding opposition lawmakers' petition to the Supreme Court regarding an alleged misconduct case against a former transport minister.
Parliament Speaker Somphon Saramul dismissed questions from opposition lawmakers and senators preparing to petition for a probe into the National Anti-Corruption Commission's handling of a false asset declaration case against former Transport Minister Sakdisayam Chidchob. Speaking at Parliament on April 29, Somphon said he had only heard rumors but received no formal submission. When asked if the opposition and senators feared the speaker would delay the investigation, Somphon said that was merely speculation and asked to wait for the proper time. Pressed on whether he could immediately forward any petition to the Supreme Court president, Somphon replied that if he simply sent it right away, he would be like a mailman, and requested waiting for the appropriate moment before responding. Asked to confirm his impartiality in his oversight role, Somphon said he had already outlined his vision of performing his duties fairly when elected speaker, clarifying he prefers the term 'fair' over 'impartial' since neutrality depends on others' judgment. He emphasized that the public will be the ultimate decision-maker.
