Wanted MP’s whereabouts ‘unknown’

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In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 5 Oct 2024 at 09: 10

Protesters were forced to put their hands behind their backs before their hands were tied as security authorities cracked down on a rally outside the Tak Bai police station in Narathiwat province on Oct 25, 2004. (Bangkok Post file photo)
As security forces reacted to a rally outside the Tak Bai authorities depot in Narathiwat state on October 25, 2004, activists were forced to place their hands behind their backs before being tied. ( Bangkok Post file photo )

According to Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, no one in the Pheu Thai Party knows where Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri is located. He is a list-MP from the Pheu Thai Party and a former leader of the Fourth Army Place. He is now wanted in connection with the case involving the Tak Bai murder in 2004.

After failing to respond to his request on Tuesday, the Narathiwat municipal court issued an arrest warrant for Gen Pisal.

The case’s statute of limitations expires on October 25.

Mr Phumtham, also a deputy prime minister, responded to reporters ‘ questions about having Gen Pisal report to the police, saying,” This is a personal issue and not related to the party”.

Mr. Phumtham explained that the police may follow the prosecutor’s orders in order to arrest him.

If Gen Pisal is found, he may get detained. However, according to his MP standing, which grants him resistance while parliament is in program, he may be allowed to attend political meetings.

When questioned about whether group members had reached Gen Pisal to ask him to retreat, he replied that no one had reached him.

He urged Gen Pisal to get involved in the legal structure because being accused does not quickly result in Gen Pisal being found guilty.

However, Visuth Chainaroon, a Pheu Thai list-MP and state chief whip, said he heard that Gen Pisal had travelled abroad next month for health care, though he was uncertain of his whereabouts.

Under Section 125 of the law, MPs may be arrested during a legislative session without previous authorization from parliament.

No one is above the law, he added, so he made it clear that he is not using the law to defend Gen. Pisal.