House Speaker Chuan Leekpai has ordered an investigation into why the parliament police did not arrest Palang Pracharat MP Waipote Arpornrat of Kamphaeng Phet province when he attended a House meeting on Wednesday.

Several opposition MPs, however, have voiced scepticism over Waipote’s presence in the House chamber for the crucial meeting, which related to the setting up of a panel to investigate orders issued under Section 44 of the interim constitution.

Mr Chuan said he did not chair the House session on Wednesday because he had a doctor’s appointment and was not aware of Waipote’s presence in the House chamber.

Wednesdays House session was chaired by Mr. Suchart Tancharoen, the first Deputy House Speaker, who reportedly said that he did not order the arrest of the Kamphaeng Phet MP because the House of Representatives had not yet received a warrant from the Pattaya provincial court.

With his parliamentary status still intact, Mr. Suchart said Waipote could attend House meetings.