Palang Pracharath Party Decides Not to Vote for Surrendering Chachanopat to DSI, Urges Him to Face Justice Process Voluntarily
Palang Pracharath Party says it won't vote to surrender Songkhla MP Chachanopat to the DSI for questioning in an online gambling case, urging him instead to voluntarily appear before the May 28 parliamentary deadline.
At 5:10 PM on May 26, 2025, Palang Pracharath Party spokesperson Nann Bunthida Somchai announced the results of a party parliamentary caucus regarding the DSI's written request for Songkhla MP Chachanopat Naksum of the Kao Tham Party to appear for questioning in an online gambling investigation. The matter has been placed on parliament's urgent agenda for May 28.
Nann Bunthida stated that Chachanopat has reportedly expressed willingness to voluntarily appear as requested by the DSI. The Palang Pracharath Party believes he could do so as early as tomorrow morning without burdening parliament. However, the party noted that parliamentary tradition protects members during legislative sessions to prevent either the government or opposition from losing voting strength through coercive measures.
The party decided to apply existing principles but will await whether Chachanopat requests parliamentary protection. Comparing this to a previous case where parliament approved another MP's entry into the justice system but ultimately did not need to vote because the MP surrendered voluntarily, the party hopes a similar outcome occurs here.
When pressed on whether Palang Pracharath would vote for surrender if it comes to a vote, Nann Bunthida said it depends on Chachanopat himself. If he voluntarily appears and reports to parliament, no vote is necessary. If parliament must discuss the matter, they will assess Chachanopat's position, but as a ruling party member, they do not wish to diminish opposition voting strength through such means.
Nann Bunthida emphasized that parliamentary immunity for MPs applies only during legislative sessions. After parliament adjourns in approximately one and a half months, Chachanopat must still appear before the DSI. She clarified that the party is not protecting or harboring anyone, but rather following established principles that immunity does not cover the entire four-year term, only active session periods, to protect legislative branch independence from coercive power tactics.
