Supreme Court Hears First Defense Witness in Section 112 Case

On November 3, 2026, at the Supreme Court on Ratchadamnoen Nai Road, the court continued hearing witnesses in case number Kor Mor Jor 1/2026, in which the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) petitioned for a ruling on severe ethical violations against 44 former Move Forward Party MPs who signed a petition to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code.

Previously, the Supreme Court had heard four sessions of prosecution witnesses, totaling nine witnesses. These included Yutthaphum Thephasadin Na Ayutthaya, a senior investigator from the NACC's Office of Political and Constitutional Organisations, along with current and former parliamentary officials such as Suwat Kireewichien, legal counsel to the Secretary-General of the House of Representatives; Sinee Sommai, Director of the Meeting Administration Office; Pol. Lt. Col. Aphat Sukhanan, former Secretary-General of the House; Suchart Tancharoen, former First Vice President of the House and Pheu Thai party-list MP; Karom Pholphaklang; Kasemsan Mueangthip, former Move Forward party-list MP; Jirawat Aranyakanan, former Bangkok MP for Move Forward and now a Pheu Thai member; and Dr. Ekaphap Phiaphibun, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office and former Chiang Rai MP for Move Forward.

Today marked the first session for defense witnesses. They were Assistant Professor Dr. Ranakorn Boonmee, a lecturer and criminal law scholar at Thammasat University's Faculty of Law, and Wirat Lakkana-adisorn, deputy leader of the People's Party and former Move Forward party-list MP.

Dr. Ranakorn testified regarding his expert opinion previously submitted to the Constitutional Court, as well as legal information on royal protection laws in Thailand and other democratic constitutional monarchies. He also stated he is not a member of the Move Forward Party.

Wirat testified that during Move Forward Party parliamentary meetings, members were aware of public grievances and discussed the law after a draft amendment had been submitted. Over multiple party meetings, information was presented and revised each time. He personally believed in the report by scholars and the findings of the Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand (TRC), chaired by Dr. Kanit Na Nakorn, which on December 30, 2011, expressed concern that Section 112 was being used as a political tool to destroy opponents, affecting the integrity and credibility of the judicial process and creating social conflict.

Because the party saw Section 112 being used against citizens during that period, and was aware of the TRC's concerns, the MPs could not remain passive. The party discussed how to address the issue. At party meetings on amending Section 112, members held diverse views and did not agree unanimously. Regarding public rallies, Wirat said he attended only as an observer and never took the stage.

After the testimony concluded, the Supreme Court scheduled the next defense witness hearing for November 17 at 9:30 AM. Former Move Forward Party executive committee member and party-list MP Benja Saengchan, along with Professor Sulak Sivaraksa, are expected to testify.

Following his testimony, Wirat told reporters he felt very relieved because the court atmosphere was receptive, and the judges listened and gave him the opportunity to explain his true intentions. For details he could not recall, such as dates and times, he stated so honestly.