TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Police are seeking the arrest of Thai lawmaker Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit for the alleged rape of a Taiwanese tourist, Thai media reports said Friday.

Chiang Mai police said they interviewed a 25-year-old Taiwanese woman who alleged she was raped by Chaiyamparwaan at a hotel in January after the pair had been drinking together. The Chiang Mai District Court issued Chaiyamparwaan's arrest warrant on Tuesday after CCTV footage and medical records confirmed the woman’s story.

Under Thai parliamentary rules, Police must receive permission from the House of Representatives to make the arrest. Police said they have made the request and told parliament that delays “could impact confidence in the Thai justice system and affect international relations,” per AFP.

Khaosod English reported that the matter is expected to be discussed at a House of Representatives session on Feb. 20. At least one lawmaker has already called for Chaiyamparwaan to resign.

Chaiyamparwaan could not be reached for comment and his assistant told local media the lawmaker was out of the country. Chaiyamparwaan’s Thai Progress Party Leader Watcharaphol Bustsomkorn told reporters the rape allegation is the lawmaker’s issue and the party will allow him to defend himself.

In a statement to local media, Taiwan’s representative office in Thailand confirmed the woman had returned to Taiwan safely. The office said it hoped the media would protect the individual's privacy and expressed trust in Thailand’s judicial system.

Chaiyamparwaan was expelled from Thailand’s main opposition Move Forward Party last year over sexual misconduct allegations. He is the Thai Progress Party’s only lawmaker.