NLA deliberates impeachment of 38 former Thai senators

BANGKOK, February 25 (TNA) - The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has started its deliberation of an impeachment case against 38 former senators who were charged with illegal attempts to change the make-up of the Thai Senate. Five former senators were delivering their opening statements before NLA on Wednesday on behalf of the 38 former Thai senators. The accused include former senator Direk Thuengfang of Bangkok's neighboring Nonthaburi Province and former senator Police Lieutenant Colonel Jitt Sriyoha of the northeastern Mukdahan Province, who are now members of the National Reform Council (NRC), and former senator Major General Kolchai Suwannabun of the southern Chumphon Province, who is now an NLA member. Direk told journalists before attending the NLA session at the Parliament building in Bangkok that he had complied with the Constitution; so, he did not believe there would be any problem. Direk acknowledged, however, if NLA voted for the impeachment, all the accused who are now NLA NRC members must stop their work. Meanwhile, Deputy NLA Chairman Peerasak Porjit insisted that NLA does not base its consideration of the case on the past impeachment cases of former Thai Senate and House speakers, but basing it on NLA regulations. (TNA)