The New Politics Party on Wednesday asked the Ombudsman to investigate whether action can be taken against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul for "violations of political ethics" in returning the passport of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
Thaksin obtained several passports including this one from Nicaragua after he fled in 2008. (AFP file photo)
Somsak Kosaisuk, head of the NPP, submitted the letter through the Office of the Ombudsman's spokesman, Raksakecha Chaechai.
The former core member of the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy said he had been following up progress in the case of Thaksin's passport, and found that both Ms Yingluck and Mr Surapong did not comply with or respond to recommendations by the Ombudsman.
Mr Somsak wanted the office to investigate whether their actions were in line with Section 279 of the constitution, which requires individuals who exercise government authority to adhere to ethics, good conduct and appropriateness.
Separately, he said, there is also a code of ethics for the politically appointed civil servants of the Prime Minister's Office.
Mr Somsak also asked the office to forward his inquiry to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for possible impeachment of the two politicians if they are found to have violated ethics of office.
Thaksin, in exile since just before his 2008 corruption conviction, had his passport pulled by the then-Democrat government in 2009. Mr Surapong returned the passport after Pheu Thai won the election and formed a new government in 2011.
In response to an earlier complaint by Mr Somsak, the Office of the Ombudsman asked the Foreign Ministry to review the decision. When the ministry failed to do so, the office on Feb 12 asked Ms Yingluck to order a review herself and report to it within 30 days.
Mr Raksakecha said that 30-day deadline ended Wednesday and the Ombudsman had not yet received a letter from Ms Yingluck. In this case, the office could report the matter to parliament and MPs may file an interpellation motion against the premier or use it to launch a censure debate.
Mr Somsak's request would be scrutinised by a three-member Ombudsman Committee. If Ms Yingluck and Mr Surapong are judged guilty, the committee would forward the case to the NACC, Mr Raksakecha said.