NLA starts impeachment process against former top Thai parliamentarians, ex-PM

BANGKOK, January 8 (TNA) - The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has started its impeachment process against Thailand's former Senate speaker Nikhom Wairatpanij, former House speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont and former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, all are from the Pheu Thai Party. The process against the former Senate speaker and former House speaker began on Thursday, as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has accused them of malfeasance in attempts to amend Thailand's past constitution concerning the make-up of the Senate. The NLA first let both of the former top Thai parliamentarians deliver their opening statements without any time limitation before the questioning stage. Making his statement by himself, Nikhom pointed out that the impeachment process is historically-important, as heads of both the Thai Lower and Upper Houses are targeted of impeachment. The former Senate speaker said he expected the NLA to treat his side of stories fairly, vowing, however, to accept the final result no matter what it will be and he will not return to politics. The former Senate speaker insisted that he is not fighting for his own interest but for the Thai legislature, the legislative power of which, he alleged, is violated. As the impeachment process against former premier Yingluck will begin on January 9, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon, meanwhile, asked her supporters and those of both the former Senate and House speakers not to show up at the Parliament to maintain order, calling for the supporters to send their moral support from home or via phone. (TNA)