On January 2, 2025, Saroj Pung-rampun, Secretary-General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), announced that the commission has launched an investigation into Natthachon Srikokuea, a former MP from Songkhla Province with the Bhumjaithai Party. The case concerns allegations of accepting financial benefits from third parties to cover his medical expenses, which violates ethical and legal standards.
The investigation revealed that while serving as an MP, Natthachon underwent medical treatment at Phyathai 2 Hospital between September 19-21 and September 23-October 18, 2019. The total bill amounted to 1,449,223 baht. Of this, 1,335,778 baht was paid by third parties. Natthachon later submitted hospital receipts to the Secretariat of the House of Representatives, claiming 495,409.50 baht as reimbursable expenses, despite the remainder of 953,813.50 baht being ineligible for reimbursement.
Natthachon also recommended one of the individuals who paid for his medical expenses be appointed as his personal advisor in October 2020, raising further ethical concerns. The NACC concluded that Natthachon’s actions amounted to receiving improper benefits, in violation of the Organic Act on Anti-Corruption (2018), sections 128 and 169. Additionally, his actions breached severe ethical standards under regulations governing judicial and independent agency officials.
The commission has forwarded its findings and evidence to the Attorney General for prosecution before the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders. It also referred the case to the Supreme Court to assess the severe ethical violations under relevant anti-corruption and judicial ethics laws.