"Teng" acknowledges that if the 44 MPs fight the case alone within the system, their chances of winning might be slim, but he trusts that the power of the public outside parliament will call for straightforward justice and fairness from the process.
On 24 June 2026 GMT+7, Nathapong Ruangpanyawut, party-list MP and leader of the People's Party, spoke about preparations for the Supreme Court's first hearing on 30 June regarding the case of 44 former Move Forward Party MPs. The case arises from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) filing a petition accusing the 44 former MPs of serious ethical violations due to their joint signing of a bill proposal to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
Nathapong stated that the party has fully prepared and has confidence in its legal team. He reaffirmed their principle that jointly submitting a legislative amendment through the parliamentary process should not be grounds for prosecution in this manner.
When asked about their defense strategy and whether they have focused on any particular points, the People's Party leader explained that their approach remains unchanged from what they have previously communicated to the public. He expressed hope that the justice system's agencies will treat them fairly. Regarding whether using the same defense strategy will lead to victory, Nathapong candidly admitted that if he and his party colleagues fight alone and only within the system, many may see their efforts as unlikely to succeed.
"But don't forget that in our past struggles, even as the opposition party, we have achieved several successes, driven by the voices of the public outside parliament who pressured and supported us—whether in labor laws, marriage equality, or progressive alcohol policies. This case is the same. Within the system, we will fight fully, but outside the system, meaning the voices of the public outside parliament, everyone must help raise their voices and pressure as well. What we want is a justice process that is straightforward and politics where ultimate power genuinely belongs to the people," Nathapong said.