Karun refuses to quit as MP for assaulting a Democrat MP

A House's fact-finding panel last week reached a unanimous decision concluding that Karun was found guilty of physical and verbal attacks against Democrat MP Somkiart Pongpaiboon.

The panel found Karn had assaulted Somkiart and used rude language inside Parliament on April 2.

Karun argued that the panel's conclusion did not mean that he was guilty but only mean that "there were grounds to believe so".  He insisted there was no evidence that he kicked Somkiat.

He said if police found that he was guilty of assault, he only had to pay a fine. "But I will not quit because I did not commit the offence. I have challenged Somkiat to take a vow but he never accept the challenge. If I commit offence, my mother will die. People know I love my mother,'' he said.

Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban had urged Karn to honour his promise to resign if he is found guilty.