The DSI spokesperson explained that, according to the law, they must wait until the parliamentary session ends before issuing a summons. This follows a parliamentary vote of 308 to 126 against sending MP Chonnaphat for further prosecution. It was revealed that if he waives his parliamentary immunity, action can proceed as well.
At 13:30 on 29 May 2026, Pol. Lt. Col. Waranan Srilam, Director of the Consumer Protection Case Division and spokesperson for the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), spoke about the House of Representatives' decision not to approve sending Songkhla MP Chonnaphat Naksua to the DSI for further prosecution while he holds parliamentary immunity. He stated that they have checked with the special investigation team responsible for the case, which is Special Case No. 150/2568 (2025), involving 27 suspects charged with offenses related to online gambling and money laundering from gambling websites. MP Chonnaphat is among the suspects.
Previously, the investigation team had issued a summons for MP Chonnaphat to acknowledge initial charges on two counts. However, the case expanded when financial trails linked to foreign countries were discovered. This led to consultations with the Attorney General, who noted that some offenses might have occurred outside Thailand. Consequently, the Attorney General exercised authority under Section 20 of the Criminal Procedure Code, assigning the DSI Director-General and the special investigation team to continue investigating. They were also ordered to add two more charges: involvement in a criminal gang and participation in a transnational criminal organization.
However, the notice to add charges to the suspect coincided with the parliamentary session. Since MP Chonnaphat is a member of the House of Representatives, the constitution requires informing the Speaker of the House to decide whether to permit him to meet as a suspect. According to reports, the House did not find sufficient reason to allow this at present. Therefore, with this parliamentary decision, the DSI must follow the constitution and wait until the parliamentary session ends before proceeding. Alternatively, if MP Chonnaphat waives his parliamentary immunity and voluntarily meets the investigators, the process can move forward.
Pol. Lt. Col. Waranan said that following the House’s decision, the DSI must wait until the parliamentary session concludes before issuing a summons for the suspect to acknowledge and respond to the charges. If the suspect voluntarily meets investigators, whether or not he will be detained depends on the circumstances. He clarified that these additional charges were made under the Attorney General’s order. Previously, the special investigation team had submitted a request to detain MP Chonnaphat, which the court granted with bail. Thus, this is separate from the DSI’s current actions, and the suspect is only required to acknowledge and respond to the new charges.
Once the special investigation team completes its probe, it will compile the case file and submit its opinion to the Attorney General, who will then decide on the legal outcome.
Among the 27 suspects named in the court's arrest warrants in this case, some have already been apprehended. Others remain at large abroad, where arrest warrants have been issued. MP Chonnaphat is among those currently protected by parliamentary immunity.