BANGKOK, Jan 8 — Thailand's National Legislative Assembly (NLA) started the impeachment process against former Senate speaker Nikom Wairatpanij and former House speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont this morning. Mr Nikom said he expected fair treatment.
Mr Nikom and Mr Somsak of the Pheu Thai Party enter the impeachment process as the National Anti-Corruption Commission has accused them of malfeasance in attempting to amend the past constitution concerning the composition of the Senate.
The NLA let both men deliver their opening statements without a time limitation before opening the floor for questions.
Presenting his statement himself, Mr Nikom said at parliament that the impeachment process was historically important as heads of both lower and upper Houses were impeached.
He said he expected the Assembly to treat his side of the case fairly.
"I will accept the result, no matter what it will be and I will not return to politics. I am not fighting for my own interest but for the legislature, the legislative power of which is violated. I insist that I did not violate any law. Using cards to vote for others was a personal matter and had nothing to do with the speaker who followed all meeting regulations," the former Senate speaker said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon asked supporters of Mr Nikom, Mr Somsak and former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra who were impeached not to show up at parliament.
He said that supporters could give moral support from home or by telephone and that order had to be maintained. (MCOT online news)
