Move Forward expels MP for revealing identity of abuse victims
Move Forward MPs and party executives on Tuesday unanimously expelled a Bangkok lawmaker for failing to show appropriate accountability for his actions and continuing to cause harm to his victims.
The 128 participants removed Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit, after determining that he had violated the terms that had saved him from being expelled last week.
Despite three accusations of sexual assault being raised at the November 3 party meeting, Chaiyamparwaan escaped expulsion after the room failed to garner a three-quarters vote to expel him, as mandated by the Constitution.
The lawmaker, however, was put on probation and required to admit to his wrongdoing, as well as apologise to and compensate the victim in order to avoid a review of the party’s decision.
On Tuesday, the opposition leader announced that Chaiyamparwaan had failed to adhere to those conditions, and instead attempted to unveil the identity of a victim, despite the party striving to prevent such revelations.
Chaithawat Tulathon, the progressive party’s leader, said that Chaiyamparwaan had shown some signs of accepting the party’s decision, but continued to level accusations by disclosing the victims’ identities.
In a media interview, Chaiyamparwaan noted that he was dressed in a suit and necktie bought for him by a victim’s father. Chaithawat views the comment as intended to publicly reveal the victim’s identity.
Chaithawat said that the victim’s family came to know of their daughter’s sexual abuse through that statement. The family have said they are ready to help with legal action against Chaiyamparwaan, he added.
According to Thailand’s Constitution, Chaiyamparwaan now had 30 days to find a new party so as to retain his MP status.
