Influential Thai MP Under Investigation for Slapping Reporter After Unfavorable Question (Video)
An influential Thai politician is under formal investigation after being caught on video slapping a female reporter for asking a question he didn’t like.
Prawit Wongsuwon, a 79-year-old Member of Parliament and former army chief, was seen striking the journalist several times during a press event last week.
“This is a clear case of physical harassment,” said Senator Tewarit Maneechai, who called for a parliamentary inquiry into Mr. Prawit’s actions. “It shows a blatant lack of respect for a journalist who was simply doing her job.”
The incident occurred on August 16, shortly after Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai Party secured enough votes in parliament to become Thailand’s new prime minister. At 37 years old, Ms. Paetongtarn is set to become the youngest-ever premier in Thailand and the third from the influential Shinawatra family, with whom Mr. Prawit has had longstanding tensions.
Mr. Prawit, leader of the Palang Pracharat Party and absent from the parliamentary vote, was asked by the female TV journalist for his reaction to Ms. Paetongtarn’s victory. In response, he angrily retorted, “What are you asking? What are you asking?” before striking her multiple times on the head, as captured on TV footage.
Piya Tavichai, a spokesperson for the Palang Pracharat Party, stated that Mr. Prawit and the reporter were well-acquainted and that he had since apologized, promising to clarify the situation during any parliamentary proceedings. “He was teasing her, as he often does with those close to him,” Piya said. “His military background may make such teasing appear aggressive, but those who know him understand this is his usual behavior.”
The incident has drawn widespread criticism from Thailand’s media circles, with the national public broadcaster Thai PBS urging Mr. Prawit to take responsibility for his actions.
Mr. Prawit is a key political figure in Thailand, known for his role as a dealmaker amid the country’s ongoing political turmoil. He served as deputy prime minister for nine years following the 2014 military coup, in which he played a significant role.
Senator Tewarit has formally requested an ethics investigation into Mr. Prawit’s behavior through the Senate, which will pass the matter on to the lower house of parliament. The lower house will have 30 days to respond. The exact consequences Mr. Prawit might face if found guilty remain unclear.
Watch the video of the incident below.
🇹🇭 Watch: Thai MP slaps reporter after she asked question he did not like
Formal investigation launched into the conduct of Prawit Wongsuwon after being accused of physical harassment
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— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) August 21, 2024