Senator Calls for Parliamentary Probe
A Thai senator has formally requested a parliamentary investigation into Prawit Wongsuwon, a veteran politician and former army chief, following an incident where Prawit struck a female television reporter on the head. The incident occurred on Friday and was captured in widely circulated video footage.
#Thailand: Women Press Freedom strongly condemns Thai politician Prawit Wongsuwon for slapping @ThaiPBSWorld journalist #DuangthipYiamphop as she approached him with a question. This violent behavior is unacceptable, especially from an elected official. We demand immediate… pic.twitter.com/PetROVWw0V
— #WomenInJournalism (@CFWIJ) August 19, 2024
Background of the Incident
Prawit Wongsuwon, 79, a prominent lawmaker and leader of the Palang Pracharat Party, is a key figure in Thailand’s political history, having been involved in the last two coups and serving as deputy prime minister for nine years after the 2014 coup. The altercation happened as Prawit was surrounded by journalists who were questioning him about Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s recent election as prime minister.
Reactions and Apologies
Senator Tewarit Maneechai condemned Prawit’s actions as physical harassment and disrespectful towards the reporter, who works for ThaiPBS. Tewarit has requested an ethics investigation through the Senate, which will forward the matter to the lower house of parliament for further action. Prawit’s party spokesman, Piya Tavichai, claimed that Prawit and the reporter are acquaintances and suggested that the incident was intended as a jest rather than an act of aggression.
Media and Public Outcry
The incident has drawn widespread criticism from Thailand’s media community, with ThaiPBS calling for Prawit to take responsibility. The ethics code for Thai parliamentarians mandates respect for others’ rights and prohibits threats or physical harm. The investigation will determine if Prawit’s actions warrant any penalties.
