The House of Representatives voted 308 to 126 against sending Chonnaphat to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) because the parliamentary session is closing on 11 July.
At 12:00 on 29 May 2026 at the Parliament, under the chairmanship of Sopon Sarum, the House considered an urgent matter: a request for permission to summon Chonnaphat Naksua, MP for Songkhla from the Kla Tham party, to receive charges and be interrogated during the session, according to Section 125 of the Constitution. This followed a letter from the DSI requesting the House to allow its investigation team to issue a summons for Chonnaphat to be charged and questioned as directed by the Attorney General. Before the vote, some MPs debated, with opinions both supporting and opposing sending Chonnaphat for legal proceedings through the DSI.
For example, Nattawut Buapratum, party-list MP from the Pachan Party, argued in favor of sending Chonnaphat for legal action. He said if MPs waive their immunity, it would benefit judicial consideration and set a new precedent for the House in a democratic system. If in the future any Pachan Party MP faces similar charges, the party will allow them to enter the justice process as well.
Meanwhile, Satit Wongnongtoey, party-list MP from the Democrat Party, said the case against the MP arose before the most recent election and showed no sign of administrative harassment. It is a judicial process conducted properly regarding politically influential persons, requiring complete evidence. The case relates to the dignity of the House; refusing permission could harm the image of MPs. If the case is serious but the House still protects the MP, it might damage the reputation of the House internationally. The MP in question has previously stated willingness to enter the justice process without claiming immunity. Therefore, the Democrat Party asked for discretion to protect Thailand's image and the House's reputation and approved the sending of the MP according to the summons.
Bhumjaithai Party notes only a few days remain before session ends.
Nanthana Songpracha, party-list MP from the Bhumjaithai Party, argued that Section 125 of the Constitution does not grant MPs immunity from law or exempt them from justice. Rather, it constitutionally guarantees legislative function and balances power. Considering the session is set to close in July, only a few days remain. Summoning an MP for investigation during the session would affect the MP's duties as a people's representative and disrupt the House's overall work. While the public demands transparency and high ethical standards, an MP waiving immunity to enter justice to prove innocence is commendable. However, from an institutional perspective, caution is needed to avoid undermining constitutional guarantees long term. After the session ends, legal processes can proceed normally. This is not a denial or obstruction of justice but a protection of parliamentary function during constitutionally supported time.
Prachachat and Economic parties support protecting the MP.
Sukarno Mata, MP from Yala representing the Prachachat Party, argued for maintaining principles and standards consistently followed by the House, which is not to permit MPs to be summoned by the DSI during sessions. However, he requested Chonnaphat clarify whether he would claim immunity or not.
Meanwhile, Kris Potranant, party-list MP from the Economic Party, defended the principle of protecting MPs during sessions to prevent situations like this. He cited if MPs Rangsit Rom or Nattapong Ruangpanyawut from the People’s Party are investigated after exposing government issues and face harassment, those MPs might be voted to be prosecuted. He called on Chonnaphat to show spirit by entering the justice process without needing parliamentary protection.
House votes against approving sending the MP during the session.
Then Chonnaphat stated he is willing and ready to enter the justice process and accepts the vote result but stands by the principle of being an MP. He said that when the session ends, he cannot avoid entering the justice process. After MPs finished their remarks, at 12:37 the House voted with 308 against 126, 2 abstentions, and 0 opposed to sending Chonnaphat for prosecution during the session.