20-2-2025 (BANGKOK) A Bangkok parliamentarian has surrendered to authorities in Chiang Mai following allegations of sexual assault against a foreign tourist, marking another chapter in Thailand’s ongoing political controversies.
Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit, representing Bangkok’s constituency for the Thai Progressive Party, presented himself at Chiang Mai Police Station yesterday alongside legal counsel to address charges stemming from a court-issued arrest warrant.
The warrant follows accusations from a Taiwanese tourist who alleges the MP sexually assaulted her at a local hotel in Chiang Mai’s city centre last month. The incident reportedly occurred on 9 January, though Manpianjit had remained notably absent from public view until his surrender.
During a brief media appearance, a visibly uncomfortable Manpianjit indicated this was his initial contact with law enforcement regarding the matter. “I need to properly review the specifics of these charges with the authorities,” he told gathered journalists.
Following approximately two and a half hours of police questioning, the embattled MP emerged to face reporters but remained tight-lipped about his stance on the allegations. He emphasised his legal team would manage proceedings and expressed readiness to cooperate with judicial authorities.
Manpianjit also addressed circulating allegations of attempted police bribery, firmly denying claims that officers had solicited 400,000 baht to dismiss the case. He offered an apology to Chiang Mai residents for any distress caused by the situation before departing the station.
Deputy Police Commander Pol Col Damnoen Kanaong confirmed that Manpianjit had denied all charges during questioning. The senior officer also dismissed the bribery allegations, stating no evidence supported such claims.
The investigation faces procedural complexities due to parliamentary immunity protections currently in effect. While police continue gathering evidence, formal proceedings must align with parliamentary regulations.
Sources confirm Manpianjit has agreed to DNA testing, with authorities having notified parliamentary officials. Further questioning will require explicit parliamentary approval, though the MP retains the right to volunteer for additional interviews.
This isn’t Manpianjit’s first brush with similar accusations. The parliamentarian was previously expelled from the Move Forward Party in November 2023 following allegations of sexual misconduct involving three women.
