People’s Party Criticizes DSI for Naming Phuket MP in Ongoing Probe
The People’s Party criticized the DSI for publicly naming Phuket MP Somchat Techathaworncharoen in a nominee investigation before any formal charges, raising concerns about due process and reputational harm
Key Points
- 1People’s Party questioned the DSI's decision to name Phuket MP Somchat Techathaworncharoen before charges were filed
- 2Somchat is linked to more than 28 companies allegedly involved in nominee arrangements for foreign property ownership
- 3The DSI is preparing to summon Somchat regarding company transactions and a law office establishment
- 4PP MP PolnuraK Thanusaw stated concern over the premature release of Somchat’s name, emphasizing no wrongdoing found yet
- 5Previous similar criticism occurred when another PP MP was named in an investigation earlier this year
The opposition People’s Party (PP) has raised concerns over the Department of Special Investigation’s (DSI) decision to publicly name Somchat Techathaworncharoen, the MP for Phuket, in an ongoing nominee investigation before any formal charges have been filed. According to the party, this premature disclosure could unfairly suggest wrongdoing and damage reputations before due process is observed
Somchat has reportedly been linked as a director and shareholder to more than 28 companies, some of which are suspected of being used as nominee firms for foreign property ownership. The DSI is preparing to summon him regarding financial transactions involving several companies and the establishment of a law office. "What concerns us is that we learned from the media that the name of our MP was released as if he had already committed an offence, and the DSI has not found any wrongdoing or issued a summons yet," said PolnuraK Thanusaw, a PP MP
The People’s Party emphasized that state agencies must respect the rights of individuals who have not been formally charged and protect confidential information. This is not the first time the DSI has faced criticism for naming an opposition MP during an investigation; earlier this year, a similar situation involved another PP MP, Powat Tunapayativgno, who was later summoned over alleged illegal forex trading, which he denied
OG Lab notes that transparency and fair process are vital for public trust in Thailand’s legal and political systems. For Koh Samui’s international residents and visitors, these developments highlight the importance of due process and the careful handling of sensitive investigations affecting public figures
