The bill seeks to amend the announcement of the Council of Democratic Reform No 30 to exempt AEC members from being sued in regard to their corruption investigations.

The NLA also proposed a bill to amend the announcement by adding clauses that stipulate the Cabinet has the right to appoint more investigative members to the AEC; to decide whether to extend the AEC investigation and empower the AEC to summon witnesses and evidence.

In a related development, Korn Dabbaransi and Purachai Piumsombun, both former members of the Thaksin Cabinet, yesterday reported to the AEC to hear charges of corruption in the previous government's purchase of rubber saplings.

Four other former Cabinet members including Chaturon Chaisang, General Thamarak Isarangura Na Ayutthaya and Suwit Khunkitti sent their lawyers to hear the charges.

Bancherd Singhaseni, chairman of the AEC's subcommittee said that 90 people were charged with offences linked to the rubber saplings purchase. The panel will summon six people each day to hear the charges and they have 15 days to defend themselves against the allegations. They can report in person or submit papers in their defence.

Apart from the former Cabinet members, others who are charged in the scandal include a panel screening the Cabinet agenda, members of the Committee of Policy and Measures to Assist Farmers, permanent officials and private companies.