A Bangkok MP, previously expelled from the defunct Move Forward Party in 2023 due to sexual harassment allegations, is facing new accusations of raping a Taiwanese tourist in Chiang Mai.
Authorities are in discussions with parliamentary officials regarding the potential lifting of parliamentary immunity for Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit, a member of the Thai Progressive Party, to facilitate his questioning.
The Taiwanese woman has filed a complaint with the Muang Chiang Mai police, alleging that the politician assaulted her in her hotel room while she was intoxicated on January 9. An arrest warrant for Chaiyamparwaan, age 35, was subsequently issued by the Chiang Mai Court on February 4, as reported by local media.
Following an investigation, police found sufficient grounds to proceed with charges against Chaiyamparwaan. Given his status as an MP, law enforcement has formally requested parliamentary approval for his questioning.
Despite multiple attempts to contact Chaiyamparwaan for comments, he has not been available for inquiries.
House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha and Deputy Speaker Pol Sub Lt Arpath Sukhanunth stated that they have not yet received any formal notification from the court regarding the case.
Pol Sub Lt Arpath noted that if the request reaches parliament, it will require review and approval from the members, but he indicated that the process should not take long.
Watcharaphol Butmonkhol, leader of the Thai Progressive Party, mentioned he has not yet had a conversation with Chaiyamparwaan. “We must await the police investigation and allow him another opportunity,” he stated. “This is a personal matter for Mr. Chaiyamparwaan, and he did not inform the party of his trip to Chiang Mai. The party is attempting to reach him.”
He acknowledged Chaiyamparwaan’s prior similar allegations but emphasized that the party would wait for the investigation results before determining any actions to take.
In November 2023, Chaiyamparwaan was expelled from the Move Forward Party after an internal inquiry concluded that he had sexually harassed three assistants.
