Thailand DSI to issue third summons to Phuket MP in nominee case

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will issue a third and final summons to Phuket MP Somchat Techathaworncharoen on 28 September in an investigation into property ownership and the alleged use of Thai nominees by foreigners, Thailand’s justice minister said on Monday.

Justice Minister Police Lieutenant General Ruttaphon Naowarat said the summons followed several postponements by Somchat, a People’s Party MP. He said the DSI expected the lawmaker to attend, adding that the first notice had not reached its intended recipient.

If Somchat does not appear, the DSI must file a complaint at Thung Song Hong police station under Section 24 of the Department of Special Investigation Act, Ruttaphon said. He added that failure to attend could carry a penalty, while the main investigation would continue.

Asked whether an arrest warrant could be issued if Somchat failed to appear on 28 September, the minister said investigators would review the details and proceed under DSI regulations. When asked to confirm whether that could mean an arrest warrant, he replied, “Yes.”