Rape-accused Bangkok MP denies vote-for-favour claims
Scandal-hit MP Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit is fighting back against explosive claims that he supported the government in exchange for help with his ongoing rape case.
The Thai Progress Party lawmaker, who represents Bangkok’s Bang Khuntien district, insists there was no political deal behind his surprise vote for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during Wednesday’s no-confidence debate.
“This issue [the rape case] has nothing to do with politics. I am fighting my battles through the justice process,” said the 34 year old MP, who is currently facing a lawsuit for the alleged rape of a drunk Taiwanese tourist in Chiang Mai earlier this year.
His vote raised eyebrows across Parliament, particularly because Chiang Mai is a stronghold of the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the hometown of its patriarch, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Chaiyamphawan’s sudden show of support for Paetongtarn came as a shock, especially given his track record of opposing the government since joining the Thai Progress Party.
This is not the first time Chaiyamparwaan has courted controversy. He was previously expelled from the now-defunct Move Forward Party in November 2023 over multiple sexual harassment allegations involving three of his Parliamentary assistants.
Defending his decision, the MP claimed his vote was driven by admiration for the government’s tough stance against transnational scam networks.
“I supported the prime minister because I want to see stronger efforts to dismantle call centre gangs operating in neighbouring countries.”
He also dismissed swirling rumours of a defection to the Kla Tham Party, led by Captain Thamanat Prompow.
“I’ve had no discussions with anyone about switching parties.”
Meanwhile, the 38 year old Pheu Thai party leader sailed through the no-confidence vote, securing 319 votes in favour, with 162 against and seven abstentions.
At least seven opposition MPs crossed party lines to back the premier—raising questions about shifting loyalties and backroom politics in the House, reported The Nation.
Chaiyamparwaan’s vote has now placed him in the national spotlight once again, not for his political principles, but for what many see as a move cloaked in controversy.
As his court case unfolds, the embattled MP’s future in Thai politics remains uncertain—but far from quiet.
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