Bangkok: The parliamentary session, chaired by Mr. Lertsak Pattanachaikul, Second Deputy Speaker, saw heated discussions regarding an urgent motion to summon Mr. Chanonphat Naksua, a Member of Parliament (MP) from Songkhla representing the Kla Tham Party. The session aimed to address charges against him as per Article 125 of the Constitution.
According to Thai News Agency, the motion has sparked disagreement among political groups, particularly the Prachachat-Economic factions, who oppose Parliament's decision to hand over Chanonphat to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). Chris Potranan, a party-list MP from the Economic Party, argued that Parliament must protect its members from being summoned or arrested during sessions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining parliamentary immunity unless a court has convicted the individual.
Mr. Sukarno Mata, an MP from Yala Province and a member of the Prachachart Party, highlighted the constitutional protections for MPs, stating that no one, including MPs and Senators, is above the Constitution. He stressed that while MPs are not granted absolute immunity, it is crucial to uphold the principle that MPs should not be summoned to acknowledge charges during parliamentary sessions. Mata urged Parliament to adhere to Article 125 of the 2017 Constitution, which requires careful consideration of requests from agencies like the DSI.
Chris Potranan further articulated concerns about setting a precedent that could impact the future functioning of Parliament. He noted that MPs could face legal challenges while scrutinizing the government, potentially undermining the authority of Parliament. Potranan stressed that parliamentary immunity, in place since 1932, should not be compromised, as it safeguards MPs from executive interference while performing their duties.
On the other hand, Rangsiman Rome, a party-list MP from the People's Party, challenged the comparison between his case and transnational crimes. Rome argued that most prosecutions against MPs have historically involved advocacy for democracy. He warned that granting immunity to individuals involved in illicit activities could set a dangerous precedent, emphasizing the need to consider the substance of each case rather than blanket immunity.
The debate underscores the ongoing tension within the Thai political landscape, as lawmakers grapple with balancing constitutional principles with the need for accountability and transparency.