An MP seen looking at an "inappropriate" photo on his phone during a House meeting was a personal matter, Speaker Chuan Leekpai said on Thursday.

Palang Pracharath MP for Chon Buri Ronnathep Anuwat was spotted by reporters looking at a photo of a naked woman on his phone while attending a meeting of the House on Wednesday.

Mr Chuan said he would warn the MP in question to be more careful. He had previously told MPs to be careful what they do because the media is watching them.



However, he personally viewed the incident as a personal matter and not a contravention of parliamentary regulations. Therefore, the parliament could not punish the MP.

In the past, no complaints had been lodged regarding MPs’ looking at inappropriate photos in parliament. There were only complaints about MPs’ wearing inappropriate clothing, he said.

Mr Ronnathep on Thursday claimed he was beng targetted by political rivals.


He had received a message on his mobile phone seeking help while he was attending the House meeting on Wednesday. He opened the message, unaware it contained a nude photo.

The message was asking for money to buy food. When he saw the nude photo, he immediately deleted the message and the photo, Mr Ronnathep said.

He believed he was politically defamed.