THE National Legislative Assembly (NLA) will next month begin its deliberations in the impeachment case against former foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul who is accused of malfeasance over the decision to reissue a passport to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

NLA President Pornpetch Vichitcholchai has scheduled March 9 for the session after the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) on Wednesday requested that the assembly impeach Surapong, NLA Vice President Surachai Liengboonlertchai said yesterday.

The national anti-graft agency has accused Surapong of dereliction of duty under the Penal Code and violating the ethical standards under the Prime Minister’s Office regulations for political appointees.

“The NACC voted unanimously to seek Surapong’s impeachment and forwarded the matter to the NLA president for further proceedings on impeachment,” Surachai said.

During the March 9 meeting, the NACC, as the accuser, will present its opening statement against Surapong, and the former foreign minister – as the accused – will present his explanation in response to the accusation, Surachai said yesterday.

While serving as the foreign minister, Surapong in 2011 instructed the Foreign Ministry to issue a new passport to Thaksin, whose passport had been revoked in 2009 by the Democrat-led government of Abhisit Vejjajiva on grounds that the ex-PM was deemed to be damaging the country while living abroad.

In supporting his decision, Surapong had told the media that he and the Pheu Thai-led government at that time had agreed that Thaksin’s presence overseas did not cause any damage to Thailand or foreign countries, hence he had revoked the Democrat-led government’s order.

Thaksin has lived in self-exile overseas after fleeing the country in 2008. Later that year, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders sentenced him in absentia to two years in jail for abuse of power while in office.

Meanwhile, the NACC has also requested that the attorney-general indict Surapong for criminal negligence and malfeasance in connection with his actions regarding the reissuance of passport to Thaksin, Attorney-General’s Office deputy spokesman Prayuth Petchakhun said yesterday.

The anti-graft agency submitted its investigation report to the attorney-general on Thursday, the spokesman said, adding that the Office would set up a working group to look into the matter.