Thai Progressive Party MP Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit is facing an arrest warrant for rape, but it has yet to reach parliament. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha confirmed that once the warrant arrives, parliament will take immediate action. If the warrant is court-issued, no parliamentary meeting or vote is required to remove his immunity. However, if the warrant originates from the police, a parliamentary session will be called within 15 days to decide on his status.
The warrant, which was issued on February 4, follows an alleged rape incident in Chiang Mai on January 9. The authorities had enough grounds to charge the 35-year-old MP, but due to his parliamentary status, a written request was made to parliament to allow questioning. The warrant reached the Royal Thai Police on Saturday and is expected at parliament by Tuesday.
While the parliamentary process unfolds, Chaiyamparwaan, who is reported to be in Bangkok, intends to surrender in Chiang Mai before February 20. A source close to him claims he has been subjected to extortion by authorities in exchange for dropping the case, which he refused. His legal team maintains the sex was consensual.
In November 2023, Chaiyamparwaan was expelled from the Move Forward Party following allegations of sexually harassing three of his assistants. The MP’s situation remains under scrutiny as the case progresses.
