MP Delays Third DSI Questioning Over Foreign Nominee Property Case
A Phuket Democrat MP has postponed his DSI witness testimony for a third time in an investigation into foreign nominee property ownership, citing parliamentary duties and provincial work, though investigators note the inconsistency with his
Somchai Techathawatcharin, a Democrat Party MP from Phuket, has postponed his witness testimony for a third time in a Special Cases Investigation Department (DSI) investigation into nominee ownership of property on behalf of foreigners, citing parliamentary committee meetings and provincial field work. On September 14, 2025, the DSI's Security Case Division, which is investigating whether Somchai improperly held shares in a private company owning real estate and condominium units in Phuket with foreign nationals, had summoned him to provide testimony as a witness.
Somchai was first summoned on August 31 but claimed he never received the witness summons at his residence. A second summons was issued for September 7, which he also postponed, citing duties related to parliamentary budget bill deliberations scheduled for September 7–9. He requested an extension until the end of September, citing additional provincial field assignments. The third summons was set for September 14, but Somchai again requested a postponement, claiming he was tied up with meetings and field work in other provinces.
According to legal experts, because Somchai is only a witness and not a defendant, the DSI cannot issue an arrest warrant even if he fails to appear, unlike with accused persons who can be arrested after missing two summons. The investigators have expressed concern about his pattern of postponements, noting his initial letter expressed willingness to provide useful information to aid the investigation. They pointed out the inconsistency between his stated intent to cooperate and his repeated delays. However, they remain open to receiving his statement at any time, even without adhering to the scheduled date.
