Bangkok: The parliament voted decisively, 308 to 126, against the motion to hand over MP Chonnapat Naksua to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for questioning during the current parliamentary session.
According to Thai News Agency, the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Sophon Saram, considered an urgent agenda item concerning the summoning of Mr. Chonnapat Naksua, an MP from the Kla Tham Party representing Songkhla. The DSI had requested permission to summon Mr. Chonnapat to acknowledge charges and undergo interrogation, as directed by the Attorney General, in accordance with Article 125 of the Constitution.
Article 125, paragraph 1, prohibits the summoning of MPs as suspects in criminal cases during a parliamentary session unless permission is granted by the House. This provision aims to protect MPs from political harassment while the parliament is in session. The debate was initiated by Mr. Nattawut Buapratum, a party-list MP from the People's Power Party (PPP), which supported the extradition request, emphasizing that it was not a case of political persecution.
Mr. Nattawut argued that the principle of immunity is a universal aspect of democratic and parliamentary systems, intended to prevent political harassment and ensure that MPs can perform their duties without obstruction. He explained that immunity is conditional and can be revoked if parliament grants permission. He further noted that the People's Party believes the charges against Mr. Chonnapat do not constitute political harassment and are not related to his duties as an MP.
During the session, Mr. Chonnapat interacted with fellow MPs, receiving encouragement from members of the Kla Tham Party. Despite the support for the extradition from some quarters, the House voted against the motion, allowing Mr. Chonnapat to retain his parliamentary immunity during the session.
The decision not to extradite Mr. Chonnapat underscores the complexities surrounding parliamentary immunity and the balance between legal proceedings and political duties. This outcome has set a precedent for how similar cases might be handled in the future, with the People's Party affirming its commitment to allowing its members to face the judicial process when necessary to uphold justice and demonstrate accountability.