The Move Forward party is conducting a background check into one of its constituency MPs, Nakornchai Khunnarong, after he was accused of having served time in prison on a theft conviction.

Nattawut Buaprathum, a deputy leader of the party, said today (Thursday) that the party’s legal experts are now investigating the case, adding that he has already talked with Nakornchai and asked for evidence to prove his innocence.

He said that the party had already checked the background of the MP, when he applied for electoral candidacy, and found he was clean. He added that he believes the MP did not falsify any evidence.

Nattawut offered an assurance that the party will treat the case straightforwardly and that the MP will be held accountable, if it is discovered that he has a criminal record.

Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, leader of the Thai Liberal party, recently told a TV audience on the “Hone Krasae” program, that Khunnarong is unqualified to be an MP because he has served an 18-month prison term, following a theft he committed in 2000 in Chon Buri province.