Bangkok: MPs from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) have approved a motion allowing the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to summon Chonnapat Naksua, a Member of Parliament from the Kla Tham Party, to address charges brought against him.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Panida Mongkolsawasdi, deputy spokesperson of the People's Party, announced that the People's Party's MPs had resolved to comply with a request from the House of Representatives concerning the summoning of Mr. Chonnapat Naksua. The MP is expected to acknowledge the charges and undergo questioning during a parliamentary session, despite the constitutional immunity provided under Article 125 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand. This immunity is designed to protect MPs from any hindrance to their parliamentary duties, especially during active sessions.
The People's Party emphasized the principles for preventing political persecution, highlighting the importance of preventing misuse of the judicial process as a tool for persecution or obstruction of MPs' duties. They asserted that the judicial process should continue transparently, despite the constitutional protections, to ensure accountability and integrity. The party further suggested that the accused should publicly waive immunity to demonstrate sincerity and willingness to engage in the judicial process, thereby setting a precedent for transparency and accountability.