NACC clears Paetongtarn of wrongdoing in Pichit Chuenban appointment case
NACC ruled not to pursue a complaint against former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, saying her action in nominating Pichit Chuenban occurred before taking office.
Surapong Isarathaworn, acting secretary-general of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), announced on Friday that the commission had resolved not to accept a petition seeking an ethics investigation against former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The complaint, forwarded by the Election Commission (EC), alleged that Paetongtarn had acted improperly by approving or failing to oppose the nomination of Pichit Chuenban for a ministerial position, despite his previous conviction by the Supreme Court.
The petition argued that her action breached ethical standards for political office holders.
After reviewing the case, the NACC determined that any alleged misconduct relating to serious ethical violations must occur while the individual holds a political position. However, the commission found that Paetongtarn’s action took place before she assumed office as prime minister.
Therefore, the NACC concluded that the matter did not fall within the scope of Section 28(1) of the Organic Act on Anti-Corruption BE 2561 (2018) and decided not to accept the complaint for consideration.
