Bangkok MP Defies Arrest Warrant, Immunity at Stake
Bangkok—A cloud of controversy surrounds Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit, a member of parliament (MP) for the Thai Progressive Party, following a rape accusation by a Taiwanese woman in Chiang Mai last month. The situation escalated this week with the issuance of an arrest warrant by a Chiang Mai court and a formal arrest request sent to the House of Representatives. This complex legal process is necessary because of Mr. Manpianjit’s parliamentary immunity, requiring the House’s approval for his prosecution.
The procedure requires the national police chief to formally request the House’s permission before an MP can be arrested. Pol Sub Lt Arpath Sukhanunth, secretary-general of the House of Representatives, confirmed receiving this request and stated it will be considered at a parliamentary meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 20th. However, whether the matter will be discussed depends on the day’s agenda, introducing uncertainty. If Mr. Manpianjit surrenders to authorities before the meeting, the issue will be removed from the agenda, simplifying the legal process.
Mr. Manpianjit’s team informed the media that he will be absent from the February 20th meeting due to a pre-planned field mission. They added that a public statement on his behalf will be released when he is ready to address the allegations. While his team cites a field mission, reports suggest Mr. Manpianjit is currently in Bangkok and intends to surrender to the police before the parliamentary meeting. His legal representatives claim the sexual encounter was consensual, strongly denying the rape allegations.
This is not Mr. Manpianjit’s first encounter with accusations of sexual misconduct. In 2023, he was expelled from the Move Forward Party following an internal investigation concluding he had sexually harassed three assistants. This past incident casts a long shadow over the current allegations, raising concerns about a pattern of behavior.
Further complicating the situation is the question of whether parliament will launch an ethics investigation into Mr. Manpianjit’s conduct. Pol Sub Lt Arpath noted the recent formation of an ethics committee, but it remains unclear whether any member will raise the issue or if a formal complaint will be filed. A potential parliamentary ethics investigation alongside the criminal proceedings could significantly impact Mr. Manpianjit’s political career.
This case is a critical test of the House of Representatives' commitment to accountability and transparency. Public attention will closely monitor the House’s handling of this sensitive matter, especially given the prior allegations against Mr. Manpianjit. The coming days will be crucial in determining the legal and political consequences of this serious accusation. The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing sexual misconduct within the political sphere and the importance of ensuring due process while protecting the rights of all involved.
