Thailand’s parliament has launched an investigation into veteran politician and former army chief Prawit Wongsuwon following an incident where he slapped a journalist during a press event. The confrontation occurred on Friday as Wongsuwon, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), was approached by ThaiPBS reporter Duangthip Yiamphop.
In a video shared widely on social media, the 79-year-old Wongsuwon is seen striking Yiamphop multiple times on the head after she asked him about new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The footage shows Wongsuwon aggressively demanding, “What are you asking? What? What?” before physically assaulting the reporter.
Following the incident, Yiamphop filed a formal complaint, prompting Thailand’s parliament to initiate an investigation into Wongsuwon’s actions. The Thai Journalists Association condemned the incident, describing Wongsuwon’s behavior as a threat to press freedom and journalistic integrity. They called his actions “threatening and harassing.”
A spokesperson for the PPRP stated that Wongsuwon and Yiamphop are acquainted, and the politician had apologized, claiming he was “teasing her” without malicious intent. Despite this, the ThaiPBS executive editor, Noppadol Srihatai, demanded accountability from Wongsuwon, asserting that such behavior undermines journalistic work and threatens the safety of reporters.
Wongsuwon, who served as Thailand’s army chief in the early 2000s and was a key figure in the 2014 coup, has faced criticism for his actions. The Thai parliament’s probe into the incident reflects growing concerns about violence against journalists and the protection of press freedoms in the country.
Sources By Agencies
