A panel of senior judges, in the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders, has upheld the nine-month prison sentences and life banishment from politics imposed on three former Bhumjaithai MPs found guilty of inserting parliamentary ID cards on behalf of fellow MPs.
The former MPs are Chalong Toedweerapong, Poomsit Kongmee and Natee Ratchakitprakarn.
The misconduct, which was deemed to be a gross violation of ethical standards, occurred during the parliamentary meeting to deliberate the 2020 fiscal budget bill, between January 8th and 11th, 2020.
The three were found guilty by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders and each was sentenced to one year in prison. They were also banished from politics for life. They appealed the sentences to a panel of senior judges, pleaded guilty to the charges and asked for more lenient sentences.
Commenting on the ruling, Bhumjaithai party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, also interior minister, said that everyone is subject to the law and must abide by it.
