Bangkok: Senator Chatwarat remains unperturbed by the Department of Special Investigation's (DSI) recent move to scrutinize 1,200 names linked to alleged collusion in the selection of Senators. He emphasized his extensive experience as an investigator and issued a caution against the release of sensitive information that might implicate others, warning that such actions could lead to legal consequences.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol Maj Gen Chatsawat Saengphet, currently serving as a member of the Senate, expressed his lack of concern over the leak of the witness list by the DSI. He acknowledged it as part of their responsibility and distanced himself from any involvement. When questioned about the potential for the list to provide the DSI with more evidence, Pol Maj Gen Chatsawat drew upon his lifelong experience with the Royal Thai Police, asserting his familiarity with investigative procedures. He stressed that while investigating, individuals must be cautious of disclosing confidential information that could potentially harm others, as it could result in lawsuits.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Chatwarat also addressed the issue of a reserve senator filing a complaint to probe the ethics of a senator who initiated a motion to remove Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, the Minister of Justice. He described this as a constitutional exercise of rights within a democratic framework. He admitted uncertainty over whether it was a political reprisal but maintained that all actions were legally compliant.
In relation to the forthcoming Senate motion regarding the justice process and law enforcement, Pol. Maj. Gen. Chatwarat noted his intention to facilitate an open discussion among members. This might include deliberations on the DSI's proposal to treat the senator selection collusion issue as a special case, enabling a collective assessment of the process's appropriateness. He clarified that it was not an initiative for a general debate without a vote under Section 153, emphasizing the importance of listening to opinions at the meeting before proceeding further.
Throughout the morning, attempts by reporters to contact 138 senators were largely unsuccessful. Some senators were unreachable, with their phones either unanswered or switched off, likely due to a scheduled Senate meeting. Others were reluctant to comment on the issue, preferring not to interfere with the ongoing DSI process.