PARLIAMENT President Chuan Leepai said today (Feb. 25) that five MPs, among them three ministers, who were sentenced to imprisonment without bail have to immediately vacate their positions, Thai Rath newspaper said.
The five of them are Mr. Buddhipongse Punnakanta, former digital economy and society minister, Mr. Nataphol Teepsuwan, former education minister, both MPs of Palang Pracharat Party, Mr. Thaworn Senneam, former deputy transport minister and Songkhla MP of Democrat Party, Mr. Chumpol Chulasai, Chumphon MP of Democrat Party, and Mr. Issara Somchai, party list MP of Democrat Party.
Read earlier report: Three ministers, Suthep jailed for anti-Yingluck chaos
Chuan said this case is similar to the case of Pheu Thai MP Nawat Tohcharoensuk being to death for the murder of a local official in September last year with the Election Commission ruling on his MP status.
The three minister have to step down according to the law, he added.
Regarding the National Police ChiefPol.Gen. Suwat Jangyodsuk having sent a letter to Parliament that a police team wanted to question Pracharat Party MP Parina Kraiyakup over a forest encroachment case but this could not be scheduled for deliberation because this House session is about to close, Chuan pointed out that according to regulations MPs do not enjoy protection privileges when House is not in session so police could question her during that period without permission from Parliament.
CAPTION:
Top and Home Page: Parliament President Chuan Leepai. Top photo: Thai Rath and Home Page photo: TV Channel 7
