Bangkok: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanaporn Sriyakul, Director of the Institute of Political and Policy Analysis, has highlighted the Senate’s decision to punish Senator Nantana as a reflection of “blue ethics.” During a discussion on the “Share and Tell News” program on MCOT NEWS FM 100.5, he described the serious ethical violations committed against Senator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nantana Nantawaropas, emphasizing that the ethical mechanism serves as a tool to regulate politicians’ behavior. While politicians are not prosecuted under the law, those guilty of unethical conduct are barred from political office. He confirmed the mechanism’s effectiveness, citing the dissolution of political parties, the replacement of prime ministers, and the revocation of political privileges as evidence.

According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanaporn noted that the case involving Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nantana occurred between senators, with the prosecuting party alleging a violation of her human dignity through degrading behavior. Although the punishment was a warning, the Blue Senators on the committee remarked that ethics faces multiple interpretations. In practice, ethics has evolved into what is described as Blue Ethics, where interpretation is at the discretion of those in power. Senators of other affiliations find it challenging to compete in the voting process, as independent organizations were established by the Blue Senators.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanaporn stressed that Senator Nantana’s case is not the last, highlighting that senators from a 17-member group, which previously sought to impeach over 100 senators, are currently being sidelined in the Senate and are ineligible for committee positions. This may signal preparation for the countdown to the end of their terms in office.

Furthermore, he mentioned that conservatives highly value this ethical mechanism, and he anticipates that no one will dare to amend the ethics section in the forthcoming constitution.