Bangkok: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has convened an investigation committee to summon Mr. Srisuwan Janya, leader of the Love the Nation, Love the Country Organization, to provide additional testimony regarding the complaint filed against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and former Minister of Defense Bhumtham Wechayachai. The complaint accuses them of allowing Cambodian forces to encroach upon the Chong Bok area in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani Province.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Srisuwan disclosed that he had traveled to give a statement to the investigation team following the petition filed by his organization with the NACC on June 9, 2015. The petition requested an investigation into the actions of the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense at the time, alleging that they permitted Cambodian soldiers to occupy Thai territory in the Chong Bok area, leading to a clash with Thai soldiers on May 28, 2015.
Mr. Srisuwan stated that the NACC has formed a working group to thoroughly examine the allegations in line with the powers and duties established by the NACC under Section 34(1) and (2) in conjunction with Section 50 of the 2018 Anti-Corruption Act. The group aims to compile a preliminary investigation report within 180 days for potential indictment.
On July 22, the Patriotic and Land-loving Organization submitted all pertinent evidence to the NACC’s investigation team, emphasizing the need to prosecute the involved politicians promptly according to legal procedures.
Mr. Srisuwan further explained that the petition accused the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of neglecting their duties as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the National Security Council. They were responsible for safeguarding national interests as outlined in the national security policy for 2023-2027. The petition claims that their failure to prevent the Cambodian military from occupying the Chong Bok area and placing mines in Thai territory constituted neglect of duty under Section 157 of the Criminal Code and a serious violation of ethical standards.