Bangkok: 'Adisorn' calls for the House to discuss the arrest warrant issue of 'Poo-at' because society is watching closely and is worried that the MP will be seen as having privileges over ordinary people. The government whip rushed to explain that fellow members used their privileges to make the situation change. The police informed them that they did not need to request extradition, so the matter was removed from the meeting agenda.
According to Thai News Agency, the House of Representatives meeting, chaired by First Vice President Pichet Chueamuangphan, witnessed Mr. Adisorn Piangket, MP of the Pheu Thai Party, raising an urgent query regarding the Royal Thai Police's letter requesting permission to arrest Mr. Chai-amphon Manphienchit, nicknamed Pu-at. Adisorn emphasized the need for the House to address this issue promptly due to public interest. He highlighted concerns about how the House of Representatives might protect or extradite an MP accused of a serious crime affecting tourism, and the investigator's notification regarding Pu-at's surrender raised questions about the next steps.
Mr. Pichet's statement that the matter was not on the agenda prompted an explanation from Mr. Saran Thimsuwan, the government whip. Thimsuwan clarified that the agenda had been set for Friday, February 14, but changes in the situation on Tuesday and Wednesday, particularly regarding members' rights, led to police indicating that extradition permission was unnecessary. Consequently, council officials removed the matter from the agenda.
Mr. Adisorn further remarked that the issue was considered urgent before the member surrendered to Chiang Mai Police Station, marking a waiver of privileges. He referenced Section 125 of the Constitution, which prohibits arresting and detaining MPs during meetings, even in cases of serious sentencing. While acknowledging the justice process, Adisorn underscored the importance of adhering to principles regarding arrest and detention, given its impact on the ethics committee. He mentioned that many parties called for the member's resignation, reflecting the public's scrutiny of whether the parliament would protect or extradite him, and raised concerns about potential criticism over MPs enjoying privileges over ordinary citizens. Adisorn noted that the presence of this matter on meeting documents allowed members to speak up to safeguard the dignity of the House of Representatives.