A Thai MP has been filmed slapping a female reporter in the face in an incident which sparked a formal investigation into his conduct.
Ex-army chief Prawit Wongsuwon, 79, struck the woman several times after being surrounded by journalists.
Tewarit Maneechai, a senator, who said he had requested a parliamentary investigation into Prawit’s conduct, said: “This behaviour is physical harassment.”
He added: “It is also disrespectful to a journalist who was doing her work.”
The incident occurred last week after Pheu Thai Party’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra became Prime Minister through a parliamentary vote.
The 37-year-old, who became Thailand’s youngest-ever premier, is the third to enter high office from the Shinawatra family.
Prawit, who leads the Palang Pracharat Party and did not attend the vote, was asked about his thoughts on the victory by the female TV journalist.
Firing back, Prawit said: “What are you asking? What are you asking?”
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Prawit Wongsuwon, 79, struck the woman several times after being surrounded by journalists
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He proceeded to hit her on the head several times.
Piya Tavichai, a spokesman for the Palang Pracharat, revealed Prawit knew the reporter and has since apologised.
Piya added: “He was teasing her as someone who he is close to.
“Because he was a soldier, the teasing could appear to be violent but those close to him know that he teases like this all the time.”
ThaiPBS, the country’s public broadcaster, asked Prawit to take responsibility for his actions.
ThaiPBS, the country’s public broadcaster, asked Prawit to take responsibility for his actions
A wider condemnation from Thailand’s media community also followed.
Prawit was Deputy Prime Minister for nine years after participating in a 2014 coup.
However, Senator Tewarit said he had requested an ethics probe into Prawit.
He said he was unsure what penalty Prawit would face if found guilty.
Source Agencies
