Law
House Speaker Addresses Petition to Investigate NACC
House Speaker Sophon Sarum has formed a committee to review a petition from the opposition and senators regarding the National Anti-Corruption Commission's handling of a case involving former Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob.
On August 18, 2026, House Speaker Sophon Sarum announced the formation of a committee to evaluate a formal request from opposition members and senators. The petition calls for the Supreme Court to establish an independent body to investigate the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) following its decision to dismiss a case involving alleged hidden shareholdings by former Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob.
Speaker Sophon confirmed that the committee includes external members to ensure transparency and impartiality. He addressed concerns regarding the committee's composition, stating that the names of the external members will be disclosed only after the final report is completed, citing a mutual agreement to maintain their independence during the review process. He dismissed claims that the committee is merely a symbolic gesture, emphasizing that it operates under the authority of the House Speaker in accordance with parliamentary regulations.
For residents and visitors, this development highlights ongoing scrutiny regarding the integrity of Thailand’s anti-corruption mechanisms. While the political process is internal, it reflects broader debates on institutional accountability. The timeline for the committee’s findings remains uncertain, as Speaker Sophon noted that the pace of the investigation depends entirely on the committee’s independent work. Further updates are expected once the committee concludes its review and the Speaker provides a formal statement on whether the petition will be forwarded to the Supreme Court.