Arrest warrant issued for Bangkok MP in rape case involving Taiwanese tourist

BANGKOK – The Chiang Mai provincial court has issued an arrest warrant for a member of the House of Representatives from Bangkok over the alleged rape of a Taiwanese tourist, the police said on Feb 7.

Muang Chiang Mai Police Station said it dispatched a letter to the speaker of the House of Representatives, asking for permission to arrest Chaiyamphawan Munpianjitt, an MP of the Thai Progress Party.

The police said the victim, who is from Taiwan, filed a complaint that the MP raped her on the night of Jan 9 at a hotel in the Muang district of Chiang Mai province.

After interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence, investigators concluded that the case has merit and asked the provincial court to issue an arrest warrant, which came through on Feb 4, the police said.

Thai Progress Party leader Watcharapol Butsomkorn said on Feb 7 that he has not talked to Chaiyamphawan regarding the rape allegation but insisted the party would give the MP a chance to explain himself.

Mr Watcharapol added that Chaiyamphawan had not notified the party about his trip to Chiang Mai and it could be for a personal reason.

The party leader said the party executives would discuss the next move for the MP after the police investigation is concluded.

In November 2023, Chaiyamphawan was expelled from Move Forward Party following a unanimous vote by executives and MPs over allegations of sexual harassment.

Chaiyamphawan, nicknamed Pu-Aut, 35, was accused of sexually harassing three female assistants.

He represented Constituency 26 of Bangkok, which include Jomthong district and Tha Kham subdistrict of Bang Khun Thian district. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK